After masterminding two priceless victories over Fiorentina and Celtic, Antonio Conte is ready to lead his team into battle for the third time in seven days at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night.
And despite admitting morale in the camp is “sky-high” after a place in the Champions League quarter-finals was all but guaranteed with Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Scottish giants Celtic, Conte has warned the Bianconeri to brace themselves for a tough test in the capital.
Addressing reporters in Vinovo, Conte began: “It’s never been an easy fixture as far as Juventus are concerned, especially when we’ve gone to play at the Stadio Olimpico. Some might say that Roma are struggling at present, but I think that it’s the right game at the right time for them. The arrival of Juve will provide great motivation.”
Roma have struggled to live up to their early billing as potential title contenders, with a recent run of patchy form spelling the end of the road for experienced tactician Zdenìk Zeman.
But Conte is adamant the star-studded Giallorossi have what it takes to overturn their fortunes and haul themselves back into contention for a European spot.
“Roma have a squad made up of excellent players and champions and we’ll be facing a team whose initial target this season was to fight for top spot. They’ve changed their manager, but all the players are still there. So we’ll need to pay great attention and aim to prepare the game well from every point of view.
“Managers are judged on their results, so Roma made a decision and opted to place their faith in Andreazzoli. Everyone speaks very highly of him. I wish Zeman all the best for the future and I’d also like to do the same for Andreazzoli, starting from the next game onwards.”
The Bianconeri’s energy sapping midweek exploits in Scotland prompted journalists to quiz Conte on any fresh injury concerns for tomorrow’s game.
And despite entertaining the possibility of fatigue affecting certain individuals, the manager indicated his intention to keep faith with the starting line-up deployed for the last two outings.
“We got back in Turin at 5.30am, but with a great victory under our belts and morale sky-high. The lads are in good shape. I’ll speak with them to see if anyone’s feeling the effects of tiredness, otherwise the intention is to stick with the same team that did well in the last two games.
“As far as Chiellini’s concerned, I’m hoping to have him back in the group from next week onwards and available for the game against Siena.”
With the Bianconeri’s impressive Champions League displays drawing admiring glances from far and wide, Conte expressed his pride at being part of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
“I previously watched these tournaments with the eyes of a manager who was not participating in important competitions. To watch a game like Real Madrid-Manchester United made me proud of leading a side in this tournament. We’re outsiders, but outsiders who can certainly cause trouble.”
Conte concluded by sending his best wishes to Diego Milito after the Inter frontman was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in last night’s Europa League tie with CFR Cluj.
“I wish him all the very best. He’s a great player and a top guy. I’ve also had injuries in my career and I know what it’s like, but I’m convinced he’ll recover and return stronger than ever.”
Source: Juventus.com
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