Atalanta coach Antonio Conte can understand the rant against Italy fans of Marcello Lippi.

"For me Lippi remains a mentor, I know him very well and won everything in his team," said Atalanta boss Conte.

"He needed to blow off steam and that was understandable. Lippi pointed out something very important that is too often forgotten, that this side won the World Cup and is going to South Africa to defend the title.

"Four years ago everyone was considered a hero, now because a player or two don't get the call, suddenly the rapport with the Azzurri is wrecked?

"The Nazionale is in good hands and I am convinced they'll have a great tournament."