Pirlo praises Conte´s motivation

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has praised coach Antonio Conte, highlighting the 42-year-old’s motivational skills.

Conte returned to the club he represented over 300 times as a player in the close season, leading them to an unbeaten start to the Serie A season.

Pirlo believes that the former Siena boss’ influence at the club has been key to their impressive form, and has been important to Claudio Marchisio’s reinvention.

“Conte is a great coach a great motivator. He has left a great mark on the club. We follow him completely, because we are sure that by following him, we can achieve important goals,” Pirlo told Sky Italia.

“Marchisio was good before, but did not play in his best position. Now he has matured and plays in a midfield three, where he shows his best qualities.”

Juventus face Roma on Monday and Pirlo is unsure as to whether his international colleague Daniele De Rossi will extend his stay at the Stadio Olimpico.

“He’s a friend, we often see each other in the national team, and we have spoken. He will decide according to his desire whether he wants to continue with Roma, or go to another great team.”

“Honestly, this is a totally personal choice.”

Juventus will go back to the top of Serie A with victory over Roma on Monday.