And Conte Couldn't Stop Irish Spirited

LILLE - Italy coach, Antonio Conte will not be holding his players responsible for the defeat to the Republic of Ireland.

The 46 year old made a number of changes to the Azzurri side given that first place was guaranteed, but could not stop a spirited Irish side netting a late winner through Robbie Brady.

"I have little to blame the boys for. It was a very physical game, played on a pitch that made it difficult to play technically. It is unfortunate that we lost it, but now we try to regain our energy," Conte told to RAI Sport.

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When Brady Header Sinks Italy

source: http://en.sindonews.com/read/1119032/197/when-brady-header-sinks-italy-1466632426
Even though the former Juventus coach made numerous changes to the starting XI, Napoli attacker Lorenzo Insigne remained on the bench until the 74th minute, with Conte confirming that the idea was to introduce him when the game was being stretched.

"I don't know if Insigne deserved to play a few more minutes," claimed the Italian. "I put him on to widen the space between defence and midfield."

Italy now face a last 16 tie against Spain, who defeated them in the final four years ago in Kiev.

"I don't know if it is a positive [playing Spain] at this stage," he concluded.