Antonio Conte held his first pre-match Press conference in three months to say “it’s systematically Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus against everyone.”
The Coach had refused to speak to the media before Serie A games since January, though he was contractually obliged to do so ahead of Europa League ties.
Antonio Conte held his first pre-match Press conference in three months to say “it’s systematically Juventus against everyone.”
The Coach had refused to speak to the media before Serie A games since January, though he was contractually obliged to do so ahead of Europa League ties.
He broke his silence to prepare for Monday night’s trip to Udinese” data-scaytid=”5″>Udinese, which kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Click here for a match preview.
“Why did I decide to talk now? There are only six games left to play, so I’ve rested my voice enough to get through the rest of the season,” smiled Conte.
“The Scudetto is not won already, which I already said again and again even when people considered the title race to be over. I knew that it would be a head-to-head with Roma right to the end.
“The choices of squad rotation I’ve made so far have in my view been the right ones, even when criticised at the time.
“Don’t forget we are also doing very well in the Europa League and have reached the semi-final against Benfica. Time has proved me right.
“It is certainly a stressful year both mentally and physically. At the moment we are boosted by challenging for the Scudetto and Europa League, which must give us the strength to reach the end in the best way.
“Arturo Vidal will come with us to Udine, but he has this pain in his knee and we’ll decide tomorrow whether or not he’ll play.”
Conte snapped at Roma’s suggestions they felt victimised by video evidence used against Daniele De Rossi and Mattia Destro this term.
“I know what Juventus represent in Italy, that there are pro-Juventini and anti-Juventini. It might be sporadic for Roma to feel they are alone against everyone, but for us it’s systematic.
“Before we had become likeable, because we were struggling, but now we have regained our rightful place. We’re happy with that and everything that comes with it.
“Do some say the only difference between Juve and Roma is made by referees? I won’t even answer that question,” added Conte.
“Anyone who faces Juventus puts in the performance of a lifetime. It has become normal for us to expect that.”
Daniel Osvaldo is on loan from Southampton and increasingly likely to be sent back to Saints, as he has struggled for playing time recently.
“I can only speak highly of Osvaldo because he works hard and settled into the group well. He will give us a hand from here to the end of the season so we can achieve our objectives.
“My own future? It is irrelevant at this moment. It’s better to concentrate on the end of the campaign so we can do as best we can.”