With a move to Chelsea drawing closer, Antonio Conte is a man under the spotlight but one of his players, Andrea Pirlo, has revealed his 'love' for the Italy national coach.

Sportsmail has been told that July 14 and 15 have been earmarked as dates for Conte’s unveiling by Chelsea — the week after the Euro 2016 final in Paris.

Interim manager Guus Hiddink has done well to steady the ship but the club are keen to bring in a manager with a long-term goal.

New York City midfielder Andrea Pirlo (left) has opened up about his admiration for Antonio Conte

The pair worked together at Juventus and now the Italian national side, where they have a strong relationship

And Pirlo, who played under Conte at Juventus as well as Italy, believes he has all the attributes to be successful at Chelsea; providing there's no interference from the board.

He told the Mirror: 'I love the man, I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. I know if he takes a job, any job, it will have to be on his terms.

The 46-year-old is in pole position to take over at Chelsea following the end of Euro 2016

'The players he wants to sign, those he wants to get rid of, the style he wants to play.

'If you sign him as your coach and then as the owner you want to start making ­decisions, he is not the coach for you.

'If you let him get on with things and do his methods, then you will have a team that plays attractive football and will, without doubt, be successful.'