Italy team manager Lele Oriali has denied claims that coach Antonio Conte is seeking a new contract.

FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio made the suggestion this week.

But Oriali says: "Conte will bring this adventure with Italy to term and we hope he'll do it in the best possible way.

"I have practically been living side by side with Conte for a year. I can tell you he is fired up and has character, as well as being full of initiatives.

"He did not ask to extend his contract, it was just my joke. It happened during the Roma-Lazio derby when I was sitting next to Federation President Tavecchio and Conte.

"Tavecchio realised it was only my joke too."