Belgians bedevil Conte
ANTONIO CONTE has been on the run from the Chelsea question but it is sure to bedevil him in Lyon in the shape of Radja Nainggolan. When Conte met Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to discuss his move to London, his list of transfer proposals was topped by Roma’s box-to-box Belgian midfielder. The Italy boss was then spotted with Nainggolan at a Rome hotel in May, sparking concerns about his focus. He was in the Italian capital to finalise logistics for the team camp at Euro 2016 only to be caught secretly meeting one of the key players from the team they face tonight. Conte denied it but Nainggolan has since confirmed the story and, despite the 28-year-old claiming he does not want a transfer, Roma are prepared to sell for £27million. In April, when Chelsea confirmed Conte as their next manager, it was in an attempt to free him from speculation and let him to devote his mind to this tournament. It has instead served to generate dilemmas like the Nainggolan one and, if Italy’s campaign is perceived to fail because Conte’s mind is elsewhere, he will be held to account. Another point of conflict for Conte is facing Belgium winger Eden Hazard tonight, a player he has also met in an effort to keep him at Stamford Bridge. Then there is Romelu Lukaku and his possible return to Chelsea from Everton. An early clash with the Red Devils of Belgium is not ideal for a manager who, for the time being, would rather avoid reminders of his future in London.