Conte calls for Cagliari focus

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has urged his team to ignore the result of the Milan derby and focus on their clash with Cagliari.

League leaders AC Milan meet Inter Milan at the San Siro, and Juventus, who are second only on goal difference, could move top if Massimiliano Allegri’s men slip up.

But Conte wants his team to stay focused on the job at hand, hosting 10th-placed Cagliari at Juventus Stadium on the same day.

“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,” Conte said on Saturday.

“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.”

Paolo De Ceglie is likely to replace Giorgio Chiellini – who is suspended – at left-back, while loanee Marco Borriello could also feature.

Conte wants Juventus, who have not won a Serie A title since 2002-03, to adapt to being a hunted side in the league.

“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,” Conte said.

“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.”