Montella on Juve, El Shaarawy & Totti

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has claimed that the 'anti-Juve' does not exist, and has praised Antonio Conte's side after a phenomenal year.

The Bianconeri won their 28th Scudetto this year as well as qualifying from a tough Champions League.

And the 38-year-old Viola Coach has conceded that League is Juve's to lose.

“The anti-Juve does not exist,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Only the Bianconeri can lose points for themselves.

“But if they keep going forward in the Champions League, they will spend a lot of mental energy trying to concentrate on both.

“Their strength however is that they've been able to hold it together without their Coach for so long.

“And that is credit to Antonio Conte. He is a superb man-manager and tactician. The work done during the week is the most important, and that's why they did not suffer too much [when Conte was suspended].

“And they've got Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal – two of the best in their position around.”

He also commented on some other stars of Serie A – Stephan El Shaarawy, Antonio Cassano, Wesley Sneijder and Daniele De Rossi.

“El Shaarawy is a modern player and is good at not being satisfied. His growth has been exponential and the desire to improve is there for all to see.

“The mentality of Milan will also help him. Compliments can also be extended to the executives and the philosophy the club is taking.

“Cassano though, is someone I preferred when he was carefree, less mature.

“Sneijder and De Rossi in trouble? In football there are always moments when you are not happy. I cannot judge from the outside, but they are star payers – so they should play all the time.

“But perhaps they should ask themselves why they are currently being questioned by their Coaches.”

The former Roma striker then remarked on one-time teammates Francesco Totti and was moved to praise Vladimir Petkovic and Walter Mazzarri.

“Francesco does not surprise me,” he said. “The only thing that might be surprising is the consistency of his performances – at his age that is not normal.

“Petkovic is a moderate, objective and charismatic man. He is very positive for this League.

“And thanks to Mazzarri, Napoli have achieved and almost unrepeatable amount of success. When you look at the restraints of their salaries, what they're doing is very impressive.”

The striker-turned-tactician concluded by turning his attention to Mario Balotelli.

"The one word that comes to mind with Balotelli? A waste."