The former Juventus coach has brought insults and gestures at his former boss but has apologized for his handling
Coach Antonio Conte has apologized for his role in the touchline clash with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli at the midweek match Coppa Italia.
Both sides drew 0-0 in the second semi-final in Turin on Tuesday, which Juve put through to the aggregate finals.
Conte and Inter provided ideas and gestures at halftime and the coach ended up with his former boss’s middle finger.
What Conte said
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched an investigation into the incident and Conte has admitted it was wrong to respond as he did.
He told reporters: “I think it’s right to clarify what happened at the Juventus stadium. Everyone has seen and heard the truth, this is important to me.
“We can be football players, coaches or presidents, but we are educational career models and we need to keep that in mind.
“I’m here to apologize, I treated stimuli the wrong way. I could have done it the other way, maybe by lifting my thumb instead of my middle finger.
“Incentives are not a mitigating factor. However, I should have behaved differently.”
Conte spent three years coaching Juventus, leading them to Serie A titles each season.
His relationship with Agnelli was reportedly broken after his retirement in 2014.
Between preparations for Lazio clash
Under Conte’s leadership, Inter have been contenders for the Italian crown once again and sit two points behind AC Milan leaders, while Juve are tipping five behind their rival rivals.
Inter are looking to keep the pressure on Milan on Sunday afternoon when they host Lazio, who have run a six-game league win.
“Lazio not only has quality but also physicality, an important game against a strong team awaits us,” Conte said.
“It will be a good test for us, we need to prepare ourselves because it will be difficult and exciting at the same time.”