Conte: I never considered quitting Italy

It was reported that the Azzurri boss was upset by a perceived lack of support from Serie A clubs but he says he has no intention of ever resigning

Antonio Conte has reiterated that he never considered quitting as Italy coach, adding that will never walk away from the job.

It was reported that the former Juventus coach was ready to resign after being upset by having to cancel an Azzurri training camp later this month because of the refusal of some Serie A clubs to release their players.

However, Conte has denied wanting to stand down, revealing that he considers coaching his country a true privilege.

"I never floated the idea of leaving the national team and I never will," the 45-year-old told reporters at a festival on Friday.

"As a child, everyone dreams of playing in Serie A and then the national team - I managed that. And now I'm coaching the national team. I'm proud of that.

"It's a great honour to be Italy coach. Now the dream is to win with the national team."

Conte won three successive Serie A titles with Juventus before resigning in July and then taking charge of the Azzurri a month later.

Italy have won three of their four games since Conte took charge, with only a 1-1 draw against Croatia in November ruining the coach's hot streak.