Motta not focused on Conte reunion ahead of Napoli clash

Thiago Motta said Juventus’ main focus was on improving players’ form, rather than the return of Napoli head coach Antonio Conte.

Conte will be back at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday for the first time as Napoli boss, having enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Juve as both a player and a manager.

As a player, he made 419 appearances, winning 12 titles, while as their head coach, he led Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles.

Juventus started the campaign with two wins but were then held by Roma and Empoli, while Conte’s side are on a three-game winning streak, sitting in second.

Motta’s side did, however, return to winning ways in the Champions League in midweek, beating PSV 3-1.

Conte said he was relishing his return to Turin, but Motta did not dwell on the nostalgia of the occasion as he aims to get back to winning ways.

“You are too focused on Conte and me,” Motta told reporters on Friday. “Tomorrow it’s Juventus-Napoli. Players are the protagonists, and we hope that our footballers will show their worth as always, bringing the game where we want.”

Motta played under Conte at Euro 2016 and said he has a great relationship with his former coach. They have met as managers only once, back in 2019 when Conte was in charge at Inter and Motta managed Genoa.

Napoli won the title in 2023 but finished mid-table last season, 41 points behind champions Inter, while also failing to qualify for Europe.

” dir=”ltr” lang=”en” p=””>Mario’s last brace in coming at Napoli’s expense #JuveNapoli pic.twitter.com/qtgaMYGSRa

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But Motta said Conte’s comparatively well-rested side are built to win the Scudetto this term.

“They are a strong team, and they’ve made changes this season built to aim for the highest and to win [the league],” Motta added.

“I don’t know if it’s an advantage not to be playing in European competitions. The calendar is this one for us. We have to go and face teams game after game.”

The 42-year-old added that striker Dusan Vlahovic, who was visibly upset after missing chances against PSV, is improving.

“[He] must always have the ambition to improve, just like everyone else, starting with me. His play alongside the team is improving,” he said.

Motta confirmed that centre-back Federico Gatti, who sustained a minor injury against PSV, will be available on Saturday, while forward Francisco Conceicao remains sidelined.