Antonio Conte fails to fly home with Spurs after Milan loss as docs order him to stay in Italy after post-surgery check
ANTONIO CONTE has remained in Italy following Tottenham’s trip to AC Milan.
Spurs lost the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie 1-0.
And manager Conte is staying in Italy with family to recover from his recent surgery.
The club released a statement which reads: “Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to recover from his recent surgery.
“Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the Club wishes him well.
“Cristian Stellini will assume First Team duties.”
Conte, 53, underwent a routine health check-up on Wednesday and doctors recommended he not fly back to London.
Spurs confirmed Cristian Stellini will take over temporary management of the squad.
Conte was rushed to hospital at the beginning of the month after suffering abdominal pain and underwent gall bladder surgery in Italy.
He was subsequently forced to miss Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester City with Stellini overseeing the match.
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But he was back days later to take charge of Tottenham’s visit to Leicester.
Conte defied doctor’s orders by returning to work so quickly, as it was recommended he sit out the visit to Leicester and Milan.
He said: “The doctor advised me not to return. His recommendation is to stay calm for 15 days.
“But you have a sense of responsibility that you want to stay every moment with your players.
“I’m still not 100 per cent but am trying to manage it in the best way.”