ANDREA Pirlo’s decision to move into coaching was inspired by his former boss Antonio Conte as the Italy legend claimed the current Inter Milan boss is the best coach he’s ever worked with.
The pair worked together at Juventus and Pirlo is not surprised by the season Inter are having in Serie A.
Andrea Pirlo worked with Antonio Conte at JuventusCredit: AFP – Getty
Conte’s side are currently second, three points behind leaders Juventus and Pirlo knows Inter will not give up the chase.
The 40-year-old said: “They’ll fight for the Scudetto to the end.
“Conte forces you to give your best at all times, more than you even thought you had.
“He is obsessed with victory, so when he loses, he becomes a demon.
“You daren’t speak to him.”
Pirlo admitted it was because of Conte that he decided to move into coaching.
“Conte is the best coach I ever worked with.” Pirlo said.
“Every day he showed us 40-50 minute video sessions.
“It’s because of him that I started considering the idea of becoming a coach myself.
The pair worked together for three years when Conte was Pirlo’s manager at Juventus, winning three Serie A titles during that spell.
Inter host the Milan derby tomorrow as AC Milan look to close the 19-point gap between the sides.
Conte’s side have the best defensive record in Serie A this season, having only conceded 18 goals in their 22 games and a win tomorrow could see them go level with leaders Juventus.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic could feature for the first time since joining AC Milan for a second spell.
Pirlo has played for both Milan sides and was full of praise for Ibrahimovic.
The Italian said: “Ibra is fundamental, as he raises the level of concentration in the group.
“He is a demanding perfectionist in every respect and wants everyone else to be the same.
“I know that from experience!”
Footballer pings the ball straight into team-mates groin area
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
