Conte’s Italy give Chelsea a glimpse of their rejuvenation

Iceland’s triumph over England is almost certain to go down as the biggest upset of Euro 2016, if not all major tournament football. However, merely hours prior, Italy achieved a shock of their own.

Described as the worst Italian team for 50 years before arriving in France, the Azzurri booked a place in the quarter-finals with a stunning 2-0 victory over defending champions Spain in the round of 16.

At the heart of the impressive display was a showing of tactical awareness and eye-catching passion from Italy’s manager, Antonio Conte.

His antics were instantly immortalised on Twitter, as videos like the one below were cut together to highlight his furious instructions and chaotic celebrations.

This is what the Premier League & Chelsea can look forward to from Antonio Conte! #CFC #ITAESP #bbceuro2016 https://t.co/qPUkQIL5zo

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 27, 2016

But while the watching world became enamoured with such histrionics, it should be Chelsea fans that feel the most excitement about Italy’s success.

Conte will take over the Blues after Euro 2016 ends and appears a more perfect fit for the Londoners with every passing match at the tournament.

Like Italy, Chelsea will be written off as title challengers this season after suffering a miserable campaign last term.

An ageing squad, also just like that of the Azzurri’s, will benefit hugely from the effervescence the Juventus icon brings to the dugout.

Not only will his passion be a welcome change at Stamford Bridge, but his tactical nous could make the Blues real Premier League contenders at an underdog price of 13/2.

Primarily a 3-5-2 custodian, Conte brilliantly nullified Spain’s possession-based gameplan and countered on Vicente del Bosque’s side with precision.

With no European football for Chelsea this season, the Italian will be able to drill his new club in the art of that system far better with only one match to play per week.

As a result, the Premier League title could end up back within Chelsea’s grasp far sooner than many expect.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.