Antonio Conte warns that Inter “will play the game of their lives” against Juventus on Sunday night. “It’s important for the present, but the past doesn’t interest me.”
Antonio Conte warns that Inter “will play the game of their lives” against Juventus on Sunday night. “It’s important for the present, but the past doesn’t interest me.”
Giorgio Chiellini claimed this match, known as the Derby d’Italia, was the ‘real’ bitter rivalry for Juve rather than the one with Scudetto opponents Milan.
“Inter will play the game of their lives. It is a very deeply-felt match for them and they will also want to interrupt our unbeaten record,” said Conte.
“The challenge with Inter is important for the present, but the past doesn’t interest me. These are simply three fundamental points up for grabs and we expect great support from our fans.”
The Bianconeri beat Milan in extra time to reach the Coppa Italia Final midweek, but remain four points adrift of the Rossoneri in Serie A.
“All we can do is take it one game at a time and always give 100 per cent, then we’ll see where we end up. We are playing against champions, so must be very concentrated. I don’t see a depressed Inter, so they’re certainly not coming to Turin to act as sacrificial lambs.
“We achieved our first objective, which was reaching the Coppa Italia Final and eliminating Milan, so I must compliment the lads.
“The choreography in the Juventus Stadium against Milan also gave me goosebumps. It’s wonderful to see so much enthusiasm around us. That match proved we were born to attack our opponents and not to sit back or wait.”
Andrea Barzagli has been given the all-clear to return to the squad, although Conte said he will first evaluate whether he’ll actually start.
“There is no first choice starting XI for me. I always try to pick the side that I consider to be the best to win this particular game.”