Pioli: 'Conte lacked respect'

Stefano Pioli criticised Antonio Conte for an “exaggerated” celebration after Juventus won 2-0 in Bologna.

The Bianconeri Coach was pumping his fist to get the crowd going at the Dall’Ara before the final whistle, then blew kisses into the television cameras.

Pioli was angry and said to assistant manager Angelo Alessio “you need respect even in victory. Certain things shouldn’t be done.”

The Bologna boss had calmed down a little when he got to the media area and spoke to journalists.

“Conte’s celebration was a little exaggerated, because it was not just aimed at his own team. In any case, we already talked it over and cleared the air.

“Juve played well and proved they are a great team. We tried to keep up the tempo, but had hoped to create more scoring opportunities and fell away after the break. Juve created little until the goal.

“When I made this decision to play with four attacking players I was confident, but the opening goal took the wind out of our sails. I’d make the same choices again, though.

“It was a very fiery and intense match. When games are so physical there can be a few extra challenges.”

Pioli has been linked with the job at Napoli next season, but shrugged off questions.

“I have to remain concentrated on this season, as we are not mathematically safe yet. I am ambitious, we’ll try to end this campaign in the best possible way and then see what happens. I don’t know anything about Napoli.”