Antonio Conte has admitted life as a champion was easier in his native Italy because his rivals all threw in the towel.

Conte won three successive Serie A titles as manager of Juventus, but is already finding it harder to try to retain the Premier League title with Chelsea.

Whereas the opponents of Juve would respond to losing the title by selling their best players, Manchester City, United and Tottenham Hotspur have all strengthened significantly.

City showed their title credentials with an impressive victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and Conte said: “I see the commitment every day, but for sure to defend the title is very difficult. It is very difficult for every team in this League. To defend – it is very difficult to win two titles in a row.