Conte convinced Inter favourites

Juventus manager Antonio Conte has told his players not to forget Inter’s qualities as he looks ahead to Saturday’s big game in Serie A.

The Bianconeri are undefeated so far this season and sit at the top of the table, which is in stark contrast to Inter who have floundered in the league to sit 16th heading to the weekend.

But despite Inter’s rocky start, Conte insisted his side would not underestimate Claudio Ranieri’s men at the San Siro.

“Inter are still favourites for the Scudetto. The first eight games should not change this. We must remember they still have the foundations of the team that dominated in Italy and Europe in the last few years,” Conte said.

Conte also said that getting carried away by the aggressive rivalry between the two teams was worthless, echoing Ranieri’s claims that the match was worth nothing more than three points.

“It is not ‘the game’. There are three points up for grabs. Thinking of anything else would be taking it as if it was a provincial match,” he said.

“This game has to be normal, a stage for us to continue our development.”

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is in doubt as he continues to struggle with a shoulder injury and Conte revealed he will make a last minute decision regarding the goalkeeper.

“We still have to have our final training session and so I cannot respond on Buffon. After working I will have a clearer idea,” he said.