Chelsea coach Antonio Conte had a pre-match news conference interrupted by an Italian prankster when he was presented with a Manchester United shirt with his own name on the back and signed by rival Jose Mourinho.
The bizarre stunt was the work of presenters Alessandro Onnis and Stefano Corti from Italian satirical programme Le Iene.
Both presenters conned Jose Mourinho last month who had been involved in a row with Conte – into signing a replica shirt with Conte’s name and the number one on the back.
On Thursday, while Conte was addressing the media ahead of their clash with Hull City, Corti used this opportunity to show off his handiwork.
The prankster approached Conte’s desk and played a video message on a tablet, with the screen not being visible to the rest of the room, before he presented the former Italy boss with the dubious gift.
The message on the video said: “Antonio, we sent you a messenger. A present for you from your brand new friend, Jose Mourinho!
“He told us he loves you. Look at what he has written on the present he sent out for you: ‘Your friend, Jose.’
“Can you promise us that next time you play against him you will share a sign of peace? Come on, Antonio…you will be friends forever!”
Conte stated he had “nothing” to say in response, before Corti added: “This is a present for you. It is signed by Jose Mourinho, ‘To my friend Antonio’. Long live friendship… shall I leave it to you?”
The coach was not interested, however, as he said to Corti: “No, you can take it with you. Keep it, you will give it to me later.”
