Winning always helps: Conte

Italy manger Antonio Conte is delighted with the way things turned out, after the Azzurri registered a 2-0 win over Netherlands in their international friendly last night.

An early strike from Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile, followed by a penalty from Daniele De Rossi, saw the Blues take a two goal lead in the first ten minutes as the Dutch failed to leave a mark.

 It was Italy’s first game after their embarrassing first round exit from the World Cup in Brazil this year, and the side looked rejuvenated under the new manager Conte, who took over from Cesare Prandelli in August following the debacle.

But the former Juventus manger, though happy with the mix of youth and experience in his side, insists that they still have a long way to go before they can challenge the big names.

“There are mature players here and also youngsters who can become great champions”, the 45-year-old was quoted as saying by the BBC.

“There is a very long way to go, but as I always say, winning helps”, he added.

Italy will begin their 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign on Tuesday when they face Norway in the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.