Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta says he wants to repay the faith shown in him by Antoino Conte.
The former Torino defender arrived at Stamford Bridge on deadline day, and has quickly become a fan favourite after a rather memorable goal on his full debut against Qarabag in the Champions League, scoring from a cross.
Despite his goal in Europe, Zappacosta has mainly been used as a substitute, but nonetheless is full of praise for his former international manager.
Speaking to the Chelsea media team, the Italian said he wants to repay his compatriot for the faith he has shown.
“He has shown a lot of faith in me,” Zappacosta said.
“Firstly with the call up to the Italy squad in 2016 and then by signing me for Chelsea.
“I really admire him, I owe him a lot and because he has shown so much faith in me I want to repay that and do my best.”
Having been on the opposing side to Conte a number of times in his career, the 25-year-old also revealed how hard it is to face a Conte side:
“The first time I played against one of his teams was when I was with Avenllino and we played Juventus in the Coppa Italia.
“Facing his teams was always difficult.
“He organises his teams very well tactically, and looks after the little details, his teams are very compact out of possession and with the ball as well.“So, it has always been very hard to play against his teams.”
Zappacosta added that those elements which make Conte’s sides so hard to face come from the manager’s character.
“I see those traits, and also his character, in this Chelsea team,” he continued.
“The fact he is always hungry for victory, very passionate and attentive to every single detail.
“It is very important for the morale of the team to see that hunger, that determination he conveys to us.”
