Carrera: Conte ban will not distract us

Juventus caretaker coach Massimo Carrera says his players will not be distracted by the off-field turmoil surrounding manager Antonio Conte.

Carrera, who has not lost a game since taking over, has stepped into the role while Conte serves a 10-month ban for his involvement in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

Carrera, however, insisted the problems facing Conte will have no bearing on his side’s preparation for their Serie A season opener against Parma on Saturday.

“We’re not disturbed at all by the event,” Carrera said. “Antonio is the first one of us all who goes onto the pitch and does what he’s always done, motivating everyone.

“We’re not distracted at all.”

Carrera did concede that Conte would be sorely missed on match days by the Italian champions, who went through last season unbeaten.

“The coach’s presence in a match is definitely important,” he said.

“Antonio motivates our players during the training sessions and he tries to do the same during matches, so there’s always need for some advice on the pitch during a match, even if the players are top-level champions.

“I can say that also thanks to my experience. I will try to use my experience as a football player to help them.

“Our only focus from the beginning of the season has been working well and every time we go onto the pitch we’re not interested at all in what is happening off the pitch.

“We only want to work hard to be at our best when we will be playing matches.”