Conte: 'Take nothing for granted'

Antonio Conte urges Juventus to ignore the Milan derby and focus on getting their result against Cagliari. “Nothing can be taken for granted.”

The Bianconeri are currently joint Serie A leaders with Milan, but that could change with the Rossoneri facing Inter on Sunday night.

“Our first thought must be towards winning on Sunday against a side in great shape who are fresh from a 3-0 victory over Genoa,” warned the Coach.

“Nothing can be taken for granted, so let us try to be three points in front on Sunday evening rather than one. Then we’ll see what happens.

“We do not consider ourselves the ‘anti-Milan’ or the only team who can challenge them for the Scudetto. The certainty is that the reigning champions are the favourites followed by others, including Juve, who can fight.

“Do not forget our mission this season is to get back to battling for prestigious titles. Clearly the media finds a Juventus-Milan duel to be a tasty proposition, but it is too early to talk about that. We’re not even at the midway stage of the campaign and can only consolidate what we are doing.


“We’re also aware that our opponents have changed in the way they approach us. Juventus are no longer a surprise and teams put in the performance of their lives against us. On the one hand that is gratifying, but on the other it means more difficulties.”

Conte confirmed Paolo De Ceglie is likely to start at left-back due to Giorgio Chiellini’s ban against Cagliari.

“We have a certainty in De Ceglie. With the new system he has often found himself on the bench, but he gives me guarantees and he’ll play on Sunday. It’s inevitable I’ll try other alternatives, like Marcelo Estigarribia, for facing very defensive opponents.”

Marco Borriello could also feature, or at least be called up for the first time since joining on loan from Roma, although the ultras have been extremely hostile to his arrival.

“Marco has only been training with us for a week, so his physical fitness is not yet up to the level of his teammates,” added Conte. “I haven’t decided yet whether to call him for this game.

“I understand the fans are upset, but we have made it very clear Borriello never turned down the Juventus shirt. Therefore I expect everyone to stick together, both inside and outside the squad, because we are still under construction. I’m convinced our fans will embrace us, becoming once again the 12th man.”