'Juventus have surprised me'- Conte

The Italy boss admits he thought the Serie A champions would take longer to challenge in Europe and is confident Andrea Pirlo will not retire from internationals

By Odunayor

Italy head coach Antonio Conte admits he has been surprised by Juventus' performances in both domestic competition and Europe this season.

Juve sealed an emphatic domestic double in Massimiliano Allegri's first season in charge and were only denied an historic treble by Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday.

"I was aware of the quality and strength of the team, but I thought it would take two or three more years to get far in Europe," Conte told a press conference.

"I can say it surprised me, but I knew that he [Allegri] would do well.

"The directors and owners deserve credit as well as Allegri, it was a great season."

Conte is also confident that star playmaker Andrea Pirlo is not quite ready to retire from international duty.

"I don't think that Pirlo is thinking about leaving the national team," he said.

"He hasn't told me anything. I know that he has the desire and passion of a young child.

"He's a charismatic and quality player and I will always keep him in consideration."

The former Juventus boss also made it clear he has no intention of returning to club coaching at present as he prepares his side for a crucial Euro 2016 

qualifier with Croatia on Friday.

"There were rumours about me joining some clubs, but I have never thought about leaving the Azzurri," he said.

Conte, who was hit with a ban in 2012 for failing to report an alleged attempt to fix a match, is also determined to see an end to the investigation into 

further games in the 2011-12 season, for which it has been reported he could once again be called to testify.

"It's a very painful experience for me. I hope it's cleared up as soon as possible and I trust that my position will be clarified," he added.

"I also had a search warrant against my house and one day someone will give me an explanation. This experience has been going on for four years so I hope it comes to an end soon."