Conte stands by penalty claims

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has defended his attack on referees after Tuesday’s draw with Parma, arguing he is not demanding favours.

Conte claimed Serie A match officials are scared of awarding Juve penalties after his side had two spot-kick appeals waved away in the 0-0 draw at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

That accusation prompted an angry response from Parma director Pietro Leonardi, who accused Juve of lacking class, but Conte is standing by his view the club have been unfairly treated this season.

“I expressed an opinion at the Tardini and I did so without contesting the individual incidents,” Conte said.

“I have never asked for favours, simply equal treatment.”

Juve will be looking to register their first goal in three league outings when they host Catania on Saturday, but Conte is not worried about his team’s recent attacking drought.

“I would be much more concerned if I didn’t have these statistics at hand – we’re the team that shoots the most and the team that, alongside AC Milan and Roma, enjoys the most possession in the opponents’ half,” he said.

“These are important statistics which show that the structure works, the organisation works and the players do what they need to.”

“It’s a moment in which, for various reasons, we’re struggling to hit the target. But I’m confident that we’ll get out of it.”

“I have great belief in my players, who are doing extraordinary things.”

Juve are second in Serie A, one point behind AC Milan with a game in hand over the league leaders, who face Cesena on Sunday.