Former Italian national team coach Antonio Conte has backed Chelsea stars following the snub of the players from the list of players invited to play for Spain in the forthcoming international games.

Spanish trio of Cesc Fabregas, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Pedro Rodriguez were ignored by Spanish national team coach Julen Lopetugui.

Conte himself is known for selecting only in-form players while he was the Italy national team boss. He famously ignored former Juventus play maker Pirlo and others who were not in top clubs in Europe.

“They are working very well with great commitment and a good attitude, which is important. I think this can be an opportunity for them to work hard and try to get back into Spain squad. We are talking about three great players,” Conte claimed at a news conference before the game against Hull City.

“Azpi, Cesc and Pedro are three important players for Chelsea,” said Conte but they wouldn’t be playing when Spain take on Italy and Albania. Spain will face Italy on October 6, and Albania three days later. Diego Costa was invited despite the three other Chelsea stars being snubbed.

Fabragas has featured in just one Premier League game this season – the loss to Arsenal. He has been a good substitute, scoring from the bench but during the Arsenal game, he was pulled off in the 55th minute. The 29-year old has a earned over 100 caps for Spain, winning the Euro 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 World Cup.

Juan Mata missed out in the Euro 2016 squad but Lopetugui recalled him for the game in August. Despite getting a goal recently in the game against Leicester City, Mata was omitted for the list for Italy. However, his teammate David de Gea got invited.