Will Conte news hurt Azzurri?

Italy boss Antonio Conte has already confirmed he will leave his post after Euro 2016 and his early decision could have a negative effect on his side.

The 46-year-old revealed last month he will take over the vacant position at Chelsea but, having seen Bayern Munich stutter at times since Pep Guardiola announced he will join Manchester City, it has been suggested the Azzurri, who are 17.00 to win the Euros, could also be hampered in the build-up to the tournament.

A coach announcing his intention to leave after a tournament is not uncommon but the call has been slammed in other quarters, most notably by Diego Maradona, who has accused the boss of disrespecting his post.

Throughout his managerial career to date, the former midfielder has earned praise for his dedication and attention to detail but having two jobs to think about will surely mean his focus will not be as intense on the Euros as it previously might have been.

The Azzurri won their group in qualifying and are now due to meet Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in Group E.

With the Belgians the current 2.00 favourites to top the standings, Italy – who are 2.60 – will have their work cut out and it is worth remembering that a number of their players have mixed memories of tournament football having fallen at the first hurdle at the 2014 World Cup alongside England in a group where Uruguay and the highly unfancied Costa Rica progressed.

Some of the current squad did, however, make it to the final of Euro 2012 and it will be interesting to see how both Conte and his troops react this summer knowing full well the coach will not be in place after July 10.