Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has opened up about his relationship with AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

The London club are set to take on the Serie A champions in the Champions League round of 16 clash in midweek.

Conte knows a great deal about Milan, having managed their city rivals Internazionale before coming to Spurs.

Asked about Pioli and Milan, he told a press conference: “I have sent messages often. I have always said congrats to many coaches, many managers who won against me in the same competition, because that is a very good way to show they are the best. Stefano last year was the best, he won the Italian Championship and before doing that he had such a long career.

“The path was not easy, he really deserved that victory even before last year. What he did in 2022 was really impressive, it was really amazing, no one was expecting that. But he managed to reach the right empathy, the right concentration, the right focus.

“He achieved so many things at the same time. He deserved that. We met each other when Italy played against England here at the San Siro. I told him again that he did a wonderful job. AC Milan last year with Stefano Pioli did something great."