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Conte presented with Manchester United shirt in Italian comedian prank

Michael Regan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

An Italian comedian completed a double prank during Chelsea's press conference on Thursday when he presented manager Antonio Conte with a Manchester United shirt - signed by rival boss Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho's signature featured on the jersey alongside a message which read: "To my friend Antonio. Long life friendship," according to the mischief-maker. Mourinho signed the shirt outside Manchester's Lowry Hotel during his recent war of words with Conte, and apparently didn't know the Chelsea handler's name was printed on the back of it.

The prankster began his interaction with Conte by playing a video on a tablet of two people. Per The Telegraph's Ben Rumsby, they said: "Antonioooo, we sent you a messenger. A present for you from your brand new friend, Joseee Mourinhoooo. He told us he loves you.

"Look at what he has written on the present he sent out for you: 'Your friend, Jose.' Can you promise us that next time you play against him you will share a sign of peace? Come on, Antonio ... you will be friends forever!"

Conte appeared to take the prank in good spirits until he was presented with the Manchester United shirt. While Chelsea's director of communications tried to interject, Conte told the comedian to keep the jersey and to "give it to me later."

Conte's spat with Mourinho exploded last month when he seemed to judge the latter's declaration that he didn't have to "behave as a clown on the touchline" to prove his passion as a veiled insult. Conte then accused Mourinho of suffering "demenza senile" - Chelsea later stressed Conte meant "amnesia" - which encouraged his Portuguese counterpart to respond by referencing Conte's involvement in a match-fixing scandal, from which he was absolved.

Conte was clearly hurt by Mourinho digging up a difficult period for him and his family, and called the United manager "fake" and a "little man."

Chelsea travels to Manchester United on Feb. 25, a meeting that will undoubtedly see the managers' touchline conduct under close scrutiny.

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