Allegri backs banned Conte

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Antonio Conte’s absence is hurting Italian football.

Juventus coach Conte was handed a 10-month touchline-ban earlier this summer for his failure to report two instances of match-fixing during his spell in charge of Siena, and Allegri struggles to comprehend how his colleague must feel.

“Conte? There are rules and they must be respected. I have faith in the law and the Federation. I admit that I feel sorry for Conte, though, and I really mean that,” Allegri told La Stampa.

“Conte’s absence is a real loss for the league.

“In these days I’ve been asking myself how Conte must be feeling, but I can’t even imagine it to be honest.

“I want to wish Conte good luck. Sincerely. It’s really a shame not to see him on the touchline.”

Juventus won their opening two Serie A games without Conte.

Massimo Carrera is in charge of the Serie A champions while Conte is suspended.