Juventus coach Conte: Referee was 'perfect' against Catania

Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Juventus coach Antonio Conte was at pains to praise the performance of referee Christian Brighi after Saturday night's 3-1 victory over Catania.

The Bianconeri boss sparked controversy after the midweek draw with Parma by claiming that Serie A officials have been afraid to award his side penalties this season.

Conte then moved to try to defuse the situation on Friday by arguing that he is not seeking favours from referees, merely equal treatment.

The former Italy international felt that Juve got exactly that against Catania.

"Today [Saturday], Brighi was perfect," Conte told Sky Sport Italia after the game against the Sicilians. "I give him my compliments."

Turning his attention to next weekend's top of the table clash with AC Milan, Conte insisted that his preparations for the game will not be affected by the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the Rossoneri reportedly still trying to have the final game of this three-match ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica quashed.

"It's for someone else to decide in this regard, but we hope that the right decision is made," the former Siena boss stated.

"We still go to Milan to play our own game whether Ibra is there or not, and Milan will do the same."