Conte pleased with nervy Juve win

Juventus coach Antonio Conte expressed relief after his side scraped to a 2-1 victory against Lazio on Wednesday.

A late goal from Alessandro Del Piero gave Juventus the three points and ensured that the Turin club remain one point clear at the top of the Serie A table.

“There is a little bit of regret, because we have drawn so many matches, like the ones against Genoa, Cagliari and Chievo, after being in command,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“Tonight the same thing almost happened – we could not give the final blow when we should have – but we were able to win despite suffering in a way we did not deserve, considering all that we had done.

“We must grow in this aspect, but my players are doing something extraordinary. This is a small step forward, but there are so many matches remaining.”

Conte then had special words of praise for Del Piero, but was coy when asked if he planned to ask the club’s board to hand the 37-year-old an extension to his contract which expires at the end of the season.

“Luckily, he comes on and scores,” Conte said. “For me, he is an asset to his team.

“If I ask him to play for a minute or an entire match, he comes to help.

“Right now we are thinking about the match against Cesena. We are fighting for something unthinkable, so we must be focused on this race.

“There will be time to address other matters. We must pick up our strengths and win the remaining matches.”

Juventus will take on Cesena on Sunday in their upcoming Serie A fixture.