Italy coach Antonio Conte has hit back at Juventus chief John Elkann.

Elkann slammed the former Juve coach over his training methods after an injury scare suffered by Claudio Marchisio.

"Hard work ought to be the norm, but it's an exception," said Conte.

"I'm told that I work too hard and I don't know how to respond to that.

"This is a strange moment for Italian football. We need humility to understand who we are.

"It would be right for us to open our eyes. There is a demographic turnover, and we must be patient with the numerous young players who are emerging now. I implore you not to ditch them right away.

"There isn't very much time but we'll do our best to qualify, and we'll give it our all. I have the privilege of coaching a group of very good players."