Soccer: Ventura wants 'young core' in two years

(ANSA) - Rome, August 23 - New Italy coach Giampiero Ventura said Tuesday he would like to have a "core" of young players aged 21-23 at the end of his two-year term as manager.
    Ventura was talking to the press ahead of his first two matches in command since taking over from new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, a September 1 friendly against France in Bari and a September Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Israel in Haifa.
    "We're starting off from Bari to pick up where Conte left off," he said, remarking that the former Juve coach had left a strong legacy after Italy's better-than-expected performance at Euro 2016.
    Against Israel, he added, "I hope to have fit players at my disposal".