Inter Milan: Antonio Conte bemoans Italy’s ‘fixation’ on formations because in England ‘they don’t give a damn’

Antonio Conte has hit out at Italy’s “fixation” on formations and insists all he needs is “bravery and intensity” from his Inter Milan side as “the rest is all rubbish”.

Conte has so far inspired Inter since taking over at the San Siro this summer, winning three out of three in Serie A to top the table.

But ahead of his side’s Champions League opener against Slavia Prague, Conte responded angrily when asked whether he would change his system away from a back three.

“As long as someone says something on TV, everyone goes after it,” Conte remarked. “I’ve played in three Champions Leagues, but I always did so with new creations.

“Instead, others have with teams who are already established. That’s what we can say to pundits. Everyone here thinks I win whatever I touch, but it’s not true.

“Only in Italy are we fixated on formations. I’ve coached in England and they don’t give a damn over there.

“I want to see bravery and intensity, the things we’re trying to propose. The rest is all rubbish.”

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Inter will be determined to beat Slavia, knowing the group may develop into a three-team shoot-out.

With Borussia Dortmund hosting Barcelona, the head-to-head games between the highly-rated trident and ensuring maximum points are taken against the Czech side will prove crucial.