Conte: Ibra absence changes nothing

Posted Saturday, February 25, 2012 by ESPN

Juventus manager Antonio Conte played down the absence of AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not change his side's approach to the potential title-decider.

Ibrahimovic was sent off on 5 January in the match against Napoli for slapping Salvatore Aronica and was banned by the disciplinary committee for three matches.

Milan appealed against the ban but was rejected on Thursday, leaving the Rossonerri without their star striker.

The big striker, who played for Juventus from 2004 to 2006, has been key to Milan's fortunes this season, topping his side's scoring charts with 15 goals so far.

However, Conte played down the significance of Ibrahimovic's absence.

"One always wants to win, with or without Ibrahimovic," Conte told reporters at a press conference. "That has been our mentality since the start of the season.

"Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we do not. For us, [Ibra's absence] does not change our preparation and our desire, and I imagine the same can be said about Milan.

"Ibra surely gives more points of reference, because he is a great player, but Milan are strong, with or without him."

Juventus are currently one point behind Milan in second place, with one match in hand, and Conte believes that Saturday's match will be decisive for the Bianconeri to prove they can go all the way in the competition.

"We have taken a decisive step, which was to become competitive again," Conte explained.

"This is a source of pride for me, for the team and for the club. We must now prove that we can continue at this level."

Juventus are currently top of the Serie A table and a win over second-placed AC Milan on Sunday will put them four points clear of the Rossonerri with a game in hand.