No distractions. The title of early winter champions (the result of 10 consecutive victories, 16 out of 18 games played) did not make Antonio Conte any better. The coach doesn't want to drop in tension and has invited everyone to face the away match in Cagliari as hard as possible. “They are a rocky and tough team, we realized that well last year – explained the Juventus coach in the press conference. – They are very strong up front, they have Conti as the undisputed leader and Lopez who is doing a great job. For us it is a difficult commitment, we must keep it in mind ". The tactic is the same as always: motivating the group to the point of absurdity, especially after an important victory like the one against Roma. “That match has already been erased from our minds – Conte reiterated. – No one denies that it was important, but words are no longer valid and we have to throw ourselves into the match in Cagliari". It will be played in a semi-empty Sant'Elia, the fault of the incredible (and unfortunate) story which, for two seasons, has prevented the Sardinian public from enjoying their stadium. “It's not the best to play in front of 5 spectators – admitted the Italian champion coach. – The people of Cagliari should be placed in the ideal conditions to see a match like this, I only hope that the situation will be resolved in the future".
Sweet words, but there will be no mercy on the pitch. Juventus dreams of an eleventh straight win, which in addition to further discouraging their pursuers would lead to an historic record. "On the part of the opponents there is always the desire to interrupt a streak like this" thought Conte, who will have to do without the disqualified Barzagli this afternoon. In his place will be Martin Caceres, who won the runoff with Ogbonna. For the rest, a typical formation, with Buffon in goal, Bonucci and Chiellini in defense, Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal and Asamoah in midfield, Tevez and Llorente in attack. A new bench is therefore looming for Marchisio, now relegated to reserve after the definitive explosion of Pogba. And the French player continues to fuel market rumors. In addition to PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also targeted him, which causes the Juventus people to tremble. "It's not up to me to talk about the market, it's Marotta's job" Conte glossed over, but it's clear that the idea of losing Pogba in June doesn't excite him at all. An important game is being played here too, which goes well beyond Cagliari's three points. However, the only ones that seem to be of interest to Conte, who wants to discuss with the club only and only after having won the third consecutive Scudetto.
