Italy boss Antonio Conte says his Euro 2016 squad has his "utmost trust" ahead of the Azzurri's tournament opener against Belgium on Monday amid criticism of his selections.
The former Juventus manager chose not to take Napoli midfielder Jorginho and AC Milan's Giacomo Bonaventura to France, causing many to wonder how Conte's team will create chances at the tournament.
The future Chelsea boss also snubbed Major League Soccer stars Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco for the competition, but says he's 100 percent committed to the team at his disposal.
"In terms of my squad choices, there is nothing to clarify. I chose 23 players who all have my utmost trust. I know what they can give me and there's nothing else to say on that matter," Conte said on Thursday.
"We are only focused on ourselves and concentrating on improving as a group, in our principles and our philosophy.
"It is all about remaining concentrated and getting the most out of ourselves that we can. We will keep our heads down and move forward."
Focusing on the team he brought to France, Conte cited his concern for the temperatures his side are enduring at their Montpellier base.
"We're working in higher temperatures than at Coverciano. There it was cooler and we worked better," he said.
"We faced temperatures of 26 to 27 degrees, so we have to acclimatise in a hurry.
"I thank the mayor and the city of Montpellier for the welcome they've given us. We made a careful choice. This offers us a great sports centre, a quiet town and a large Italian contingent. It's the ideal location.
"Our fans have given us energy and enthusiasm. We thank them, they're very important."