Graziano Pelle: 'Antonio Conte will succeed as Chelsea manager'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 26 March 2016

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle believes that Antonio Conte will succeed at Chelsea if he is appointed as the club's new manager.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has backed Antonio Conte to succeed at Chelsea if he is appointed as manager in the summer.

Conte, who will leave his post as Italy boss at the end of the European Championships, has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will appoint a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho at the end of the season when interim boss Guus Hiddink's stint finishes.

Pelle, who was handed his Italy debut under Conte in October 2014, is confident that the rumoured new Chelsea boss will do well in the Premier League.

"The coach has the qualities to do well in any tournament," Pelle told Rai Sport. "If he does choose to come to the Premier League then he'll be very welcome. It's a tough league, but I am convinced Conte will do well.

"I advise him to be himself, as he is a winner and changing culture or league won't modify his attitude. He just needs to change his language! So I advise him to study English.

"The English press is really hard when it comes to gossip, but on that score I don't think the coach has anything to worry about. When it comes to talking about football, I think Italian media might be tougher, but it's only to be expected in the sport."

Conte has been in charge of the Italian national team since 2014.