As Antonio Conte endures all manner of agonies – starting with his own health and taking in that of his Tottenham team, particularly the midfield, which is in crisis before Tuesday night’s Champions League last-16, first leg against Milan – he can console himself with one thought. His opposite number, Stefano Pioli, may well have it even worse.
The tie pits the previous two Serie A champion managers in opposition; Pioli led a youthful Milan to a surprise triumph last season, after Conte won with their city rivals, Internazionale, in 2020-21. Conte can expect a hostile reception on his return to San Siro; the ultras do not care that he is recovering from the emergency removal of his gallbladder on the Wednesday before last.
