Italy boss Antonio Conte has thanked his players for their effort after they exited the European Championship on Saturday night at the hands of Germany.

Germany, 2.38 to win the tournament, won the contest 6-5 on penalties to book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016, but Italy pushed them all the way in Bordeaux.

Mesut Ozil’s strike was cancelled out by Leonardo Bonucci’s penalty and the game was eventually forced into penalties. Both sides made crucial errors in the shootout and 18 penalties were needed, but Germany left-back Jonas Hector scored the winning spot kick.

Although his team are now out, Conte was delighted with his team’s performances throughout the tournament as he prepares to join Chelsea in the coming days.

The former Juventus coach is to have a week off before moving to London, but he paid tribute to the Azzurri squad following their heartbreaking defeat.

He said: “Against a strong side, we demonstrated that this is a tough team who all our opponents respected lot. “The national team gives you emotion and stimuli and I hope this European Championship will leave a legacy of love for the shirts we were wearing.

“I think the biggest victory for me is having worked with this group of lads. From the kit men to the cooks – everybody who was part of this marvellous experience, this is what has given me the greatest satisfaction.”

“I had the honour of working with these people, who gave me everything. When you do everything, nobody can criticise you at all, and these lads went beyond the call of duty, giving absolutely everything, and I think people recognise this.”