Antonio Conte has backed his side to keep going right until the end as this season’s Scudetto race nears its thrilling climax. The 42-year-old has steered the Bianconeri to a sensational 34-game unbeaten run and challenged his men to maintain their rich vein of form in tomorrow’s Piedmont derby
Conte said: “It’s right to believe. We’ve come this far and it would have been unthinkable at the start of the season. Now we could write an important page in the Juve history books and it’s down to us to do so. It will be extraordinary if we manage to do it, if not then we’ve laid important foundations for the future.”
Yet despite Juventus receiving plenty of plaudits after Wednesday’s win in Cesena extended their winning run to seven consecutive fixtures, Conte warned that this year’s final outcome is anything but a formality.
“There are four games remaining and we need to give our all in each encounter. If anyone’s thinking about celebrating early, they’re talking to the wrong person.
“There are two teams in the fight for the Scudetto. One started the season as favourites, while the other began as an outsider.
“When I was a player there were many occasions when we emerged victorious despite not being favourites. But we haven’t won anything as of yet.”
The discussion then moved on to the clash with Novara, a second consecutive test for the Bianconeri on a synthetic pitch against a side battling relegation.
And Conte is taking nothing for granted after Attilio Tesser’s men, currently eight points adrift from safety, caused an upset by overcoming third-placed Lazio in midweek.
“Even if they don’t manage to survive, they deserve to be complimented, because they’re a fine example. Last year they had an attractive style of play and it gained them promotion. They’ve had difficulties in Serie A, but they’ve maintained their ideas and identity.
“In Cesena we came up against a team which sat back and defended. Tomorrow we’ll face a side that will look to play its own game. They’ll do all they can to throw a spanner in the works.”
The Bianconeri will be without the suspended Matri and injured Pepe at the Silvio Piola.
And following the team’s recent congested run of fixtures, Conte revealed his plans to consult with his entire squad before finalising his starting line-up.
“I need to assess the conditions of Quagliarella and Del Piero. The former had a problem with his adductor muscle, while the latter is suffering from fatigue and trained separately yesterday.
“I want to speak to all my players and understand how they’re feeling. If they’re in good shape then there won’t be many changes from the line-up in Cesena.”
Source: Juventus.com
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