Ogbonna prepared for emotional Conte reunion

Angelo Ogbonna plans to show off what he learned from new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte when West Ham go to Stamford Bridge on Monday evening.

The Italian international was part of Conte’s Italy squad at this summer’s European Championships – making one appearance against the Republic of Ireland in the Azzurri’s final group game – and was signed for previous club Juventus by the new Blues boss.

Although he made just 32 Serie A starts in two seasons with Juve, Ogbonna holds Conte in high regard and says it will be an emotional occasion for him when the Hammers start their Premier League campaign.

“It’s something that has me feeling emotional given what he means to me as a coach, and how we left each other at Euro 2016,” said Ogbonna ahead of Monday’s fixture. “It was tougher than when I left Juve.

“The European Championship was a complete experience. I really appreciated how he treated me. Even though he hadn’t called me in a year, he judged me based on what I did at the training camp.

“I wanted to be part of the group. I hope I can show him what I learned on the field on Monday.”

And Ogbonna, who cost the Hammers £10million when he moved from Juve last summer, is well placed to assess the former his former boss’ suitability for the Chelsea job after two seasons under him at the Old Lady.

“I am convinced he will do well because he really looks at the human side of things,” Ogbonna said.

“He maintains the rules and doesn’t place any limits on what he can do, which will be appreciated in England. He is a good coach that will find the right way of doing things.”