Prosecutor Wants Suspended Sentence For Antonio Conte

 

A prosecutor is seeking a suspended six-month sentence for Antonio Conte over his alleged role in a match-fixing case. Italian public prosecutor Roberto Di Martino formalised his request on Tuesday as Conte's fast-track trial began. Conte did not attend the hearing.  Di Martino also requested that Italy coach and future Chelsea boss Conte be handed an €8,000 fine.

Conte is accused of committing sports fraud during the 2010-11 season when he was coach of Siena. He denies wrongdoing. The match under investigation is Siena's 1-0 victory at Albinoleffe in May 2011. Siena's 2-2 draw at Novara, also in May 2011, was dropped from the inquiry.

Conte's lawyer Leonardo Cammarata said “Antonio Conte denies any wrongdoing and any knowledge of an attempt at match-fixing”. Cammarata also said that the defence is due to make its final statement to the court on April 11 and a verdict is due in mid-May. Even if Conte is convicted, he would have the option to appeal to the Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation.  He would not be considered guilty, under Italian law, until all appeal processes had been rejected or he accepted the judgement. It will therefore not affect his chances of taking up his role at Chelsea. Conte signed a three-year deal with Chelsea on 

Monday and will officially take up his new role following the conclusion of this summer's European Championship in France.