Conte: Lazio win a sign of maturity

Juventus coach Antonio Conte hailed another important step in his team’s development after their 1-0 win away to Lazio on Saturday.

Simone Pepe’s 34th-minute strike proved to be the only goal at the Stadio Olimpico, with the win sending Juve back to the top of the Serie A table.

Juve remain unbeaten in the league this season and have now won four matches in succession, with Conte proud his players passed their latest test against quality opposition.

“We are happy because we won against a very strong side that will fight to the end for the top spots,” Conte said.

“As far as we are concerned, this performance is an important sign of our maturity.”

“We suffered under pressure too, but that’s inevitable at the Olimpico and we never stopped looking for the second goal.”

“I told the lads that if we came here to win 1-0, we would lose. Therefore being a little bit open to counter-attacks was to be expected.”

“I’m happy, as it was not an easy match and we won a top of the table clash.”

Lazio coach Edy Reja believes his team should have been awarded a penalty in the first half, claiming Juve defender Andrea Barzagli blocked a Tommaso Rocchi shot with his hand.

“We were unlucky with the incidents, as there was a clear penalty on Rocchi’s shot and Barzagli should’ve been sent off,” he said.

“Had that been spotted, it was a spot-kick and a straight red card, in my view. Unfortunately, it proved to be decisive.”

“Maybe the referee just didn’t see it, but his decision was very disappointing.”

Despite the defeat, Reja was satisfied with his team’s performance, which he felt demonstrated Lazio’s ability to match it with the title challengers.

“We are satisfied with the performance and do not come out of this with our reputation damaged, because we fought on equal terms with Juve,” he said.

“It’s true we should have done something more, as we had the chances. It’s a shame we were too tired at the end to really mount an assault for the equaliser.”

“Juventus played well and I think it can be their year (to win the Scudetto), also considering they have no European commitments to worry about.”