Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has backed Italy boss Antonio Conte to succeed in the Premier League, if the reported Chelsea target moves to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The former Juventus coach, 46, is strongly linked with Chelsea as the Blues hierarchy hunt for a long-term successor for Jose Mourinho, who was sacked in December.

He will quit his role with the Azzurri when Euro 2016 is finished, and Pelle says that his boss at international level has the tools needed to thrive in England.

"The coach has the qualities to do well in any tournament. If he does choose to come to the Premier League then he'll be very welcome," he told Rai Sport. "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 previously led Juventus to three successive Serie A titles.