Under-fire Italy coach Antonio Conte is determined to turn things around with the national team , despite reportedly receiving death threats in the days leading up to the Azzurri 's friendly against England . Italy welcome Roy Hodgson 's men for a glamour friendly at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday , just nine months since they beat the Three Lions in their World Cup opener . However , like England , their tournament ended with a group-stage exit , with former Juventus manager Conte subsequently brought in to replace Cesare Prandelli at the helm . Under-fire Italy coach Antonio Conte reportedly received death threats from angry Juventus fans . It has not been the easiest of rides so far , with tension heightened last week when the Italy coach reportedly received death threats from angry Juventus fans over the treatment of Claudio Marchisio . The midfielder , who netted the opener against England in Brazil , ruptured knee ligaments while warming up on the eve of Italy 's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria - a match the Azzurri required a late goal to draw 2-2 . John Elkann , the president of the holding company which controls Juventus , also criticised Conte , who returns to his old stomping ground on Tuesday looking to build some positivity . Former Juventus boss Conte is determined to turn things around with the national team . 'The fans need to support Italy , so I think I have an excellent relationship with Italy fans , ' he said . 'They know that we are working hard - myself , the players , everyone . We 're all trying to work at a time which is not easy . 'So when everyone gives everything that they 've got in what they 're doing , you hope that is being appreciated . ' This , Conte says , is a transitional period for the Azzurri as they attempt to blood in new , untested players . It is a big ask but one Conte is determined to carry on with , reciting a quote by former Olympic 200 metres champion Pietro Mennea in the pre-match press conference . Italy face England in a friendly just nine months since they beat the Three Lions in their World Cup opener . ' I know it will not be easy but I am carrying on in my work , ' he said . 'Mennea said that , to achieve big dreams , one must make great effort . ' The Italy coach 's desire to find the right formula will see him tinker with the side against England , ahead of which he took the unusual step of naming his starting line-up . Uncapped Mirko Valdifiori and Southampton striker Graziano Pelle are amongst the starters , as are the vastly-experienced Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon . The latter 's experience is more important than ever right now , with even the goalkeeper , capped 146 times , surprised by this week 's events . 'Obviously the last few days have not been boring , by any means , ' Buffon said , laughing . 'We can quite calmly say that . 'But it is also true that this sort of energy is better to really release than to bottle it up because that can ultimately lead to defeats . ' Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will add some much-needed experience to Italian line-up . Southampton striker Graziano Pelle will start against England on Tuesday night .
Azzurri not expecting a hero 's reception on his return to Juventus . Italy in transitional period as they attempt to blood new , untested players . The Antonio Conte required a late goal to draw 2-2 in Bulgaria on Saturday .