Conte reveals Chelsea ambition

Antonio Conte has revealed his ambition to emulate his success in Italy by guiding Chelsea to honours from next season after he was confirmed as Jose Mourinho’s permanent successor at Stamford Bridge.

The 46-year-old is currently preparing for Euro 2016 in his role as Italy coach but he will step down following the finals in France this summer and immediately take up his new role.

Conte had been heavily tipped to be the man who would take over in west London when interim boss Guus Hiddink steps down at the end of the season, and the appointment was finally confirmed on Monday afternoon when he signed a contract until summer 2019.

Conte has experience of winning the Champions League as a player with Juventus in 1995-96 while he later guided the club to three successive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014, and also the Coppa Italia as a manager.

He is looking to draw on that experience to help get Chelsea back into contention for the title following a poor campaign that sees them sit in mid-table – seven points adrift of the top six.

“I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club. I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that,” Conte told Chelsea’s official website.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and the day-to-day challenge of competing in the Premier League.

“Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy.”

Conte is 17.00 to bow out in style and lead Italy to Euro 2016 glory in France this summer.