New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo says Antonio Conte will take no prisoners at Chelsea.

The Italy coach, 46, is closing in on signing a three-year deal at the Premier League champions and Pirlo believes he will be a success.

Pirlo told the Daily Mirror: "I love the man, I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. I know if he takes a job, any job, it will have to be on his terms.

"The players he wants to sign, those he wants to get rid of, the style he wants to play.

"If you sign him as your coach and then as the owner you want to start making ­decisions, he is not the coach for you.

"If you let him get on with things and do his methods, then you will have a team that plays attractive football and will, without doubt, be successful."