Antonio Conte has urged his troops to keep going right until the finishing line ahead of Wednesday evening’s home meeting with relegation strugglers Lecce.
The Bianconeri, who maintained their three-point lead over Milan with Sunday’s 4-0 win over Novara, require just two more victories to fulfil their Scudetto ambitions.
Yet despite anticipation rising around Turin, Conte called for maximum focus in tomorrow evening’s clash with a Lecce team striving to maintain their top-flight status.
“We’ve come up against two highly motivated teams who have rightly looked to get a result against us. And now we’ll be up against Lecce. They have an important objective just as we do.
“We’re fighting for something magical, while they’re looking to avoid relegation. It will be a good game contested by two sides with a lot to play for.”
The gathered journalists in Vinovo enquired as to whether the Bianconeri would be looking at results elsewhere as the title race draws towards its climax. Conte’s response was emphatic.
“It’s vital we remain focused on ourselves as we still haven’t won anything yet. We’ve already achieved direct qualification for the Champions League and booked our place in the Coppa Italia final. But we can’t be distracted and must look to win tomorrow’s game.”
One major ingredient of Juve’s fine campaign has been the style of play imposed by Conte since the first day of pre-season. The focus on an attractive, possession-based brand of football has seen the Bianconeri overwhelm their opponents on numerous occasions.
“This type of play comes from the desire to take the game to the opposition. It’s made much easier with players like Pirlo. We’ve worked intensely on our style of play, but it’s the players’ commitment which has made it possible to impose.”
Conte has the luxury of a near fully fit strikeforce to choose from, coupled with Alessandro Matri’s return from suspension.
“Del Piero has recovered from muscular fatigue and Quagliarella is on his way. Pepe trained separately yesterday. He’s got great desire and enthusiasm to be involved, but the championship doesn’t finish tomorrow and it’s important to make sensible assessments. I’ll speak with my players – it’s an important moment and it’s right to consult them.”
Source: Juventus.com
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