Antonio Conte can guide Tottenham back to Champions League this season, says Watford boss Claudio Ranieri

Watford boss Claudio Ranieri believes Antonio Conte can fire Tottenham to a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

Conte was appointed by Spurs this week after the club decided to sack Nuno Espirito Santo following a difficult start to the season.

Ranieri knows fellow Italian Conte well and has backed the former Chelsea boss to be a hit in north London.

Tottenham currently sit ninth in the Premier League, five points off West Ham in fourth, but Ranieri believes Conte has what it takes to guide Spurs back to the Champions League.

“I think it is a very good benefit [to the Premier League],” said Ranieri. “I am a friend of Antonio and I wish him all the best.

“I think he could achieve the fourth place to go into the Champions League next season.”

Watford are back in action this weekend and will take on Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

The Hornets have received a fitness boost ahead of that clash, with centre-back Francisco Sierralta in contention to return.

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