Antonio Conte 'focused' on Chelsea amid Italy national team rumours: 'I am totally committed to the club'

Antonio Conte has confirmed he has no interest in leaving Chelsea to return to his post as Italy coach.

Italy sacked manager Gian Piero Ventura earlier this week after they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.

Before taking over at Chelsea in July 2016, Conte was in charge of Italy for two years and led the side to the quarter-finals of the European Championships.

Former Italy internationals like Alessandro Del Piero have urged the Italian Federation to offer Conte the post once again.

But Conte said: "Now I am very focused to do my best for Chelsea and my only focus is to create a good structure in Chelsea. To create a good basis with this team we won the League with last season.

"We know very well there is a lot of work to do and I am very focused on Chelsea and totally committed for the club."

Italy failed to reach the Finals in Russia after losing to Sweden in a two-legged play-off 1-0 on aggregate.

Conte added: "My feeling is the same as any Italian person. I am very sad. This is a big stop for our football movement after 60 years.

"Football is very important in Italy, but you have to try together to find the right solution.

"Every department in Italy has to take the responsibility not only one, two or three people. When you fail, the whole country fails.

"In this case it is my failure, your failure, the failure of Italy. This moment is very sad for us, but we must use this moment to reflect and try and to find the right solution not only with words but also facts."