Conte: 'Juve always attack'
Antonio Conte praised Juventus for their “attacking mentality” against Inter and explained how Daniel Osvaldo will help.
Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini were on target in a 3-1 Derby d’Italia victory this evening.
“We won. That’s good. We prepared this game in every minute detail, including how they might mark Andrea Pirlo or not mark him by bringing Mateo Kovacic and Ricky Alvarez on him in turns,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
“We played well and it’s just a shame we conceded that goal which created a bit of anxiety. People ask why I continue waving my arms like crazy on the touchline, it’s because I know it just takes one moment of fortune to score and the game is open again when the tension sets in.
“We are the top scorers in Serie A, but could’ve had more goals tonight. Samir Handanovic did very well on several occasions and we weren’t as accurate as we could’ve been, but I was more interested in the performance and I’m happy with that.”
Sky pundit Gianluca Vialli joked that Vidal, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio score so many goals because Conte can teach them the tricks of the trade.
“As a player I did like this role and going forward to replace the striker. That attacking bent was always in my mentality as a player and now as a Coach, as I always wanted to take the initiative. I say it’s better to lose a game by attacking – as we could’ve done at Lazio last week – than to draw while sitting behind the ball.
“As a player I won five Scudetti, the Champions League and everything there was to win, so I can only wish they follow me and do even better.
“It’s rare we go on the counter-attack, as we don’t have players with those characteristics. We study our opponents and how to limit their strengths, but still maintain our own strong points.
“When attacking, our wingers go on the same level as the strikers. A 3-5-2 is variable and all down to the interpretation. There are others who use this system in a more defensive way and to go on the counter, but that’s not our style.”
Osvaldo was signed on deadline day from Southampton, arriving on a free loan with option to buy for €19m.
“Osvaldo was an opportunity that we took, as the striker desperately wanted Juventus and cut so much off his wages. We are happy to have a player who improves our quality in attack, as we have Serie A and the Europa League to challenge for.
“There were some very well-defined hierarchies and some others who had been here a long time and perhaps needed a little competition to renew their enthusiasm. It was positive to know players wanted Juve so much that they’d reduce their wages to help it happen.”
Fredy Guarin was about to arrive at Juve in exchange for Mirko Vucinic, but Inter pulled the plug.
“Guarin was an opportunity too that had been created between the clubs. I didn’t make any specific requests, but if the opportunities arise on the market then we’d take them. It all stopped and we’re happy as we are now.”
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Marotta on Guarin and Osvaldo
Juventus gm Beppe Marotta tried to lower the tension with Inter ahead of tonight’s match and explained Daniel Osvaldo’s transfer.
The rivalry between these clubs has only escalated after the failure this month of a swap deal between Fredy Guarin and Mirko Vucinic.
“There was a verbal agreement with Inter, so we contacted him and discussed terms. That is how things usually progress. I’ve discussed this enough and want to take the tone to a calmer level ahead of this game,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“In this case I felt it important to speak up because Inter named us in their statement and as the two people most damaged by the whole affair were Guarin and Vucinic.
“Inter have made many changes this season and there are difficulties in that situation. The club is prestigious and the Coach talented, so I am sure they will get back to success soon.
“Of course a different thing happened to us, as Antonio Conte was able to win the Scudetto in his first season, but that was down to the great work from the Coach and club.”
There was trouble before the match, as Inter’s team bus was pelted with rocks on its way to the stadium.
“I don’t know where it happened, but certainly not in the Stadium, so we couldn’t police that area. It’s a shame, of course the club condemns this behaviour. Unfortunately, it is a common problem, as our team bus has windows smashed once every other week.
“We lowered the tension, welcomed the visiting directors in the warmest way and are sure it will be a great sporting event.”
Marotta was also asked about Osvaldo, who arrived on loan from Southampton, but is not yet available to play.
“We wanted to make the most of any opportunities. Osvaldo arrived on a free loan, so we didn’t pay a single penny, and the player drastically reduced his salary to help the move go through. There is an option to buy at the end of the season for €19m and we have these months to evaluate how he settles in, then can discuss whether there are the terms to sign him permanently. It’s premature to talk about it now.
“Our objective was to raise the competition within the squad and the overall quality level. It is down to Conte to make his decisions game by game.”