Antonio Conte has blasted English football's unilateral decision to squeeze a round of Carabao Cup ties between the World Cup final on December 18 and the return of Premier League football on Boxing Day.

'We knew it was crazy to put the World Cup during the league season, this schedule is crazy,' said Spurs boss Conte. 'Also, it's really strange that in England we start to play three days after the final of the World Cup.

'We are the only country to do it. Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, they are all taking time to give rest and breathe a bit.

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'Instead, I find it crazy that on December 21, three days after final of World Cup final, we are going to play a game in the Carabao Cup. 

'I find this crazy. Then after another three days, play in the Premier League. The show must go on, this is the truth.'

The fourth round of the Carabao Cup will be the first domestic fixtures for top-flight clubs in England after the World Cup.