Conte urges no-fear approach

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has told his team they should be afraid of no-one ahead of a Serie A meeting with Lecce on Sunday.

The undefeated Juve are second to AC Milan on goal difference, and travel to Stadio Via del Mare to take on Serse Cosmi’s bottom-placed side.

After a league break over the New Year, Conte admits he is uncertain how his team will restart the season, but urged them to play with confidence.

“It’s like the beginning of the season when there was the player strike. It’s never easy to restart after a break,” Conte said.

“We’ve had 16 matches and we’ve achieved a good position, but there are always uncertainties.”

“Of course, Lecce’s players aren’t playing as well as we all expected, but we should be very careful, as they’re very motivated to gain points.”

“As I always say, we should show respect but not fear. We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re Juventus and we should play as we know we can.”

Striker Marco Borriello, who joined Juventus on a six-month loan from Roma, will not be handed a start against Lecce.

Conte said the 29-year-old would need to adapt to fit in at Juventus Stadium, but should start most matches.

“For this match we’ll use the players in the best condition and who can guarantee the best technical support. Juventus is a big team and should have good forward players,” Conte said.

“As I’ve said in Dubai, people always ask for the best, but are never sure of what they’ve got. We welcome Borriello. He will have to adapt to the attitude of this team, but he should be able to find a place in the first 11 every week.”