Conte dismisses talk of Juve advantage

Juventus manager Antonio Conte has ridiculed rival bosses claiming his side’s strong showing in Serie A is due to a less hectic schedule.

Unlike challengers Udinese, AC Milan and Inter Milan, Juventus failed to qualify for the Champions or Europa League this season – a fact not lost on many of the top clubs.

Juventus lead Udinese on goal difference at the top of Serie A and Conte urged his counterparts to fade away in the league so as not to qualify for next year’s European competitions, if they feel his side holds an unfair advantage this season.

“When I hear talking about the draws for the Europa League and the Champions League, I can only envy the teams playing those competitions,” Conte said.

“Sometimes I hear coaches complaining about the fact that Juventus doesn’t have to play those competitions and I can only say: ‘Why don’t they stop trying to achieve a position in the Championship which could allow them to participate in those competitions next year?'”

With Juventus’ focus firmly on the league, Conte took the chance to praise his side’s opponents this Sunday, Novara, who travel to Juventus Stadium for the first time.

“We should have great respect of a team such as Novara, which has reached Serie A after years of waiting and they have put in some very good performances,” he said.

“I know this team very well, as I have played against them last year.”