The former Inter Milan and Napoli coach, who had Lautaro Martínez under him at Inter between 2019 and 2021, described how much the Argentina striker has grown.
"I arrived at Inter the same year as Lautaro, who wasn't a regular starter under Spalletti the year before. With me, alongside Lukaku, he formed a strike partnership that worked perfectly. Two really strong players, who allowed us to win the Scudetto after ten years," Conte said.
"Lautaro has grown enormously in terms of personality. There's an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without him. He's a leader recognised by his teammates, important even when he goes to speak to the referee.
"When he plays he always gives everything, he said that the first time he bought a pair of boots he dreamed of this moment, and with England he's arrived. He's strong and he's grown a huge amount, today it's difficult to put a value on Lautaro. What would you sell him for now? He makes plays like a number ten."
Conte also touched on his own future, having spent the past two years at Napoli, and was asked about reported interest from the Italian national team.
"I'm very happy with how these two years at Napoli have gone, and about being able to rest and watch football while I wait to see how things develop over the year. The national team? No, I haven't been contacted," he said.
On the market front, Conte gave transfer advice to Inter, having previously worked with Cristian Romero at Tottenham, a player of interest to the Nerazzurri as they look to strengthen their defence.
"The World Cup he's having is a bit underrated. He's having a brilliant World Cup, the best defender by some distance compared to the others. He's grown enormously... I read that some Italian clubs want to sign him, but I don't know if Tottenham want to sell him.
"He's an awkward player, and Argentines still have that fighting edge. It's a positive thing that's starting to disappear. In a match it's always kill or be killed. Getting under the opponent's skin is part of the game."
Asked to rank his former teammates, Conte placed Alessandro Del Piero third, Zinedine Zidane second and Roberto Baggio fourth, while reserving top spot for Gianluca Vialli.
"First place for sure, Gianluca was an exceptional teammate, he taught us so much about leadership. I remember giving him the captain's armband was more than the right call. He gave us a real sense of responsibility. I had the chance to see him a month before he passed away in London.
"We went for dinner with my wife, and he seemed well, he ate and drank everything, you could see he was genuinely happy. A month later he was gone. I've thought about it since, I think he already knew something, but despite that he stayed so positive. Gianluca gave me so much, and that's without even mentioning the footballer. Luca is always with us."