Italy's Antonio Conte 'not happy' to leave Andrea Pirlo out of Euros squad

Italy coach Antonio Conte said he is "not happy" that he had to leaveAndrea Pirlo off of the Azzurri's squad for Euro 2016.

Pirlo played for Italy at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Euros, but Conte left the 37-year-old out of his team for this month's tournament after the midfielder left Serie A last year to join New York City FC in MLS.

Conte said last month that he left both Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco becausethey chose to play in MLS over bigger leagues in Europe.

But the coach told the BBC he is fond of Pirlo and would have liked to have him in the team but had to make a difficult decision to leave him out.

"Andrea Pirlo is a great player," Conte said. "I had him for three years in Juventus and we won a lot with him. I'm very affectionate to him.

"But I know that in this moment, I have to find the right choice for Italy and not for my heart.

"I'm not happy that Andrea isn't here, but this is life and we must continue."

Conte said the loss of Marco Verratti to injury was a big blow to his side and admitted Italy were "outsiders" to win the Euros in France.

"It isn't a good moment for our football," said Conte. "It's important that the squad has a good spirit. I work a lot at this. If we are able to find this way, it's possible to be an outsider."

Italy were criticised for losing their identity at the 2014 World Cup under Cesare Prandelli, andConte said he hopes he has returned it to theAzzurri.

"It's very important to have an identity and when the other countries see our team, I want them to recognise our identity," he said. "I like to play offensive football and attractive football with great intensity. I like the players to transfer great emotion to our fans.

"I always think of the verb, win. Most people use this verb in a very simple way, but to win is very, very difficult. It's not for all.

"It's a tough road and along this road there are sacrifices and hard work.

"I'm a perfectionist in training, and in life, and I want the best for me and for the people who work with me."