Juventus vs Chievo preview - Conte surprised by Juve run
Posted Saturday, March 03, 2012 by PA
Juventus coach Antonio Conte admits he is pleasantly surprised by his team's unbeaten campaign so far in all competitions.
The Turin giants host Chievo tomorrow on the back of last weekend's 1-1 draw at AC Milan.
The result was Juventus' third draw in four league games.
"We may have drawn a few games recently but we certainly haven't lost," Conte said.
"We are still unbeaten after 24 rounds of games in the league as well as three Coppa Italia matches.
"This is an extraordinary result that no-one could have predicted at the start of the season.
"If we are able to complete this successful path, we will achieve something incredible."
Juventus are second in the standings, one point adrift of Serie A leaders AC Milan but the Turin giants have a game in hand.
After Saturday's game, Juve travel to Bologna four days later to recover their postponed game.
Should results go their way, Conte's Juve could lead the standings heading into the next round of games.
However, the coach wants his players to focus solely on the task at hand.
"Our focus has to be on Chievo," Conte said. "Chievo are close to achieving their aim of defending their Serie A status.
"They are having a great season and it will not be an easy game."
Chievo will have to overcome the absence of pivotal striker Sergio Pellissier.
Pellissier, who has found the net four times for the Verona outfit this season, will serve a one-match ban this weekend.
The good news for Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo is that defender Boukary Drame, midfielder Michael Bradley and the team's leading scorer Cyril Thereau return from suspension after missing last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Cesena.
Chievo have won their last two league games and are 10th in the standings, with 33 points from 25 games.
Photos
More»
Rhian Sugden's sexiest pictures
Saturday April 20 2024
Fans love Apollonia as she poses in tiny denim shirts
Saturday April 20 2024
Eugenie Bouchard sends fans wild in barely-there bikini
Friday April 19 2024
Your Say