Juventus must fight, says Conte

Juventus boss Antonio Conte said his side must fight hard if they are to come through the UEFA Champions League group stages.

Conte’s men were once again disappointing in Europe as they drew 2-2 with Galatasaray in Group B in Turin. Leonardo Bonucci’s mistake allowed Didier Drogba to score in the first half as Juventus struggled with Roberto Mancini’s hard-working tactics.

The home side showed their determination to then lead 2-1 with three minutes to go, but another defensive error allowed Umut Bulut to place the ball home past Gianluigi Buffon after more good work from Drogba just one minute after Juve claimed the lead.

The Bianconeri have just two points so far, compared to group leaders Real Madrid’s six, and Conte said they must work hard to reach the latter stages.

“Now it’s an uphill struggle, but we must not get downhearted. We’ve got to fight with the dagger between our teeth. If we do well then we will go forward, if we don’t then it’ll mean the others were better and we tip our hats to them,” Conte said.

“We have to be more attentive and clear-headed. The lads had tried so hard to get back into the match and I believe we achieved that in a deserved fashion.”

Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella echoed Conte’s thoughts after he believed his goal had given the home side all three points. Arturo Vidal had levelled proceedings from the penalty spot before Quagliarella headed home Andrea Pirlo’s cross.

Speaking after the game, Quagliarella admitted that the result was tough to take.

He told Sky Sport Italia: “It is a shame, because we were 2-1 up with four minutes to go. I think they had just two shots on goal, then we were in control for the rest of the game, so if there was a team that deserved to win it was Juventus.

“It leaves a bitter taste that you push so hard and finally get through, then they score on the next move.”