Sack-race more competitive back home, laughs Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte has laughed off “strange” speculation he was about to be sacked as Chelsea head coach, suggesting the rumours in Italy are worse.

Within minutes of Chelsea announcing a kit deal with Nike that is set to net the club £900million over the next 15 years, the focus on Thursday turned to Italian Conte.

A sustained and heavy mid-afternoon gamble was reported on the former Italy and Juventus boss becoming the next Premier League manager to be ousted from his position.