Football: Antonio Conte acquitted in match-fixing scandal

Future Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been cleared of any accusations in the Serie A match-fixing scandal from 2011. Conte, who was head coach of Siena at the time, was accused of doing nothing to prevent match-fixing at his club. The judge has acquitted Conte, considering the accusations baseless. Antonio Conte will lead Italy at Euro 2016 before joining Chelsea as their new permanent manager.

"Today finally draws a line under this ugly story," said Conte after the verdict became public. "Four years ago, a search of my house at 5am ushered in a nightmare period that at times I felt would go on forever. Those who stood by me, and who know me best, know how much I have struggled with the idea that my name might be associated with the shameful world of match-fixing." In 2012, when Conte was the head coach of Juventus, he was banned for 10 months for not reporting to the authorities alleged match-fixing activities in two games of Siena during the 2010-2011 campaign. The ban was reduced to four months later on and Antonio Conte became the head coach of the Italian national team in 2014, after the World Cup in Brazil.

"I thank my family and the many people who never believed even for a moment the words which presented a false image of my lifestyle," Conte added. "I am a sportsman and I know no other way to achieve success than through sacrifice and total dedication. It was a terrible experience and I have faced it head on. To all those who never doubted my honesty, I want to express my gratitude, and reassure them that I have emerged from this testing time as a stronger and more highly motivated person."

Antonio Conte and his Chelsea are 5/1 at Bet365 to win the Premier League title next season.