Fabio Capello issues warning to rumoured Chelsea target Antonio Conte

Former England manager Fabio Capello has congratulated Antonio Conte on reportedly becoming the next Chelsea boss - but has warned he is under immediate pressure to succeed. The 69-year-old Italian said Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will not tolerate second-best if he decides to invest in the playing squad over the summer.

Conte, 46, is set to leave his job as Italy manager at the end of Euro 2016 and will reportedly sign a three-year deal with the Blues. But Capello has warned that the job at Stamford Bridge comes with huge pressures and expectations.

The highly-regarded coach, who has previously led Juventus to the Serie A title, has been told what to expect working under the notoriously demanding Russian owner. "Congratulations to Conte," Capello said, according to Corriere dello Sport. "Chelsea is a club that does not protect you like Juventus. If Abramovich buys five or six players, you cannot finish in fifth place."

Conte is reported to have been lined up to replace Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink at the end of the current season. The Blues sacked Jose Mourinho in December 2015 and are set to miss out on Champions League football for the first time since Abramovich bought the club in 2003.