Former England coach Fabio Capello claims Italy manager Antonio Conte, who has been stepping up his English lessons, is already making plans for when he takes over at Chelsea in the summer.
Conte’s contract with Italy expires after Euro 2016, and he looks certain to be appointed permanent boss in the summer.
His representatives have held positive talks with Chelsea and it is understood another meeting is scheduled for later this week.
Speaking about the Italy coach's future plans, Capello said: "Conte is preparing for Chelsea.
"He has the time to arrive and train Chelsea in the best way, as this is an important club.
"I think the most important thing will be the team he is able to put on the field. He needs defenders and there aren’t that many around.
"His communication with the players will also be fundamental. I myself had a difficult experience in Russia where I always had to speak through a translator.
"It was not easy, because the players always expect that extra word from the coach, the decisive statement to let you understand or change something."
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