Conte rues missed chances

Juventus coach Antonio Conte played down the significance of two dropped points following a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari on Sunday.

Mid-table Cagliari were not expected to trouble Conte’s title-challengers in their own backyard, and the hosts duly took the lead through Mirko Vucinic just seven minutes into the match at Juventus Stadium.

But Andrea Cossu levelled for the visitors three minutes into the second half, and Juve proved unable to force a winner in the time remaining.

“After 18 games unbeaten, it is acceptable to draw against Cagliari,” Conte said.

“I don’t think my men were arrogant, as they fought hard for the result.”

“It was a good reminder that we have to suffer and fight to the very end in every game from here to the last one in the season.”

Conte felt the result was not a fair reflection of his team’s dominance, after they recovered to control proceedings late in the contest.

“I think the game immediately started well for us, as we were in the lead and playing good football with many chances to finish it off,” he said.

“After the break we conceded straight away and that goal made us freeze up. We improved later, but were unable to take our scoring opportunities.”

“I tried to introduce fresh legs in attack, but the final blow just didn’t come.”

“I am not satisfied with the result, as we must be intelligent enough to improve on negatives and continue this campaign that is above our expectations.”