Friday 19 August 2016 14:16, UK
Antonio Conte has played down suggestions of a long-standing feud between himself and Walter Mazzarri as he prepares to take his Chelsea team to Watford.
Conte and Mazzarri clashed when working in Italy for Juventus and Napoli respectively and will meet for the first time in the Premier League at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
Ahead of their meeting, Conte insists the pair share no ill-feeling and that he intends to shake hands with the Watford head coach.
"I saw him in the coaches meeting, and also with Ranieri," the Chelsea head coach said. "I spoke with him about the new experience. It's a great challenge for him too. I saw that he is very focused.
"When we were in the Italian championship, when we fought for the title, everyone thinks for his club.
"But the relationship is very normal and I have great respect for him and his work. I think he is a great manager and I will shake his hand, no problem."
Conte enjoyed a winning start to life at Chelsea on Monday Night Football, with Diego Costa netting an 89th minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over London rivals West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain forward scored the winning goal after escaping punishment for a reckless challenge on West Ham goalkeeper Adrian having previously been booked for dissent.
Costa has struggled on occasions to contain his discipline since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2014, but Conte says he is happy for the 29-year-old to continue playing with "passion".
"We all know Diego. He is a passionate footballer. Sometimes it can seem he is always on the edge when he plays. But I think he is a good guy, and a good player," he said.
"He puts his passion in the football when he plays. I hope he continues so but he must pay attention in all situations.
"It is difficult for the player to be relaxed because you know you always play at the centre of attention. We are happy with his attitude.
"Sure we are both passionate. Sometimes I risked in my past to be banned. I have to keep myself calm first and then to the players.
"But when you show the passion for the football it is special, because football is special."
