Italy manager Conte acquitted in match-fixing trial

Rome - Italy manager Antonio Conte has been cleared of accusations of sporting fraud following a hearing in Cremona on Monday at which prosecutors had requested a six-month prison sentence.

Conte, set to become Chelsea boss following the conclusion of Euro 2016, was accused of knowing about the attempted fixing of a Serie B match while he was in charge of Siena in 2011. Though he was not involved directly, his decision not to report the incident resulted in the fiery tactician being banned for four months during his second season with Juventus.

As noted by the Guardian, the judge in the case said Conte was acquitted Monday "because the accusations of sporting fraud were baseless."

Conte has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing throughout the process.

"It was a full acquittal ... What matters is that for him, this story is over," said Francesco Arata, one of Conte's lawyers. "We talked to Conte on the phone and he was very happy."

Italian assistant Angelo Alessio was also cleared of any misconduct.

The pair can now look ahead to Euro 2016, with Italy expected to name a provisional 30-man squad for the tournament later today.