Reja tips Juve for title

Lazio coach Edy Reja has tipped Juventus to win this season’s Serie A title ahead of the teams’ meeting in Turin on Wednesday.

Juve overtook AC Milan at the top of the standings on Sunday, moving one point clear of the defending champions, who were beaten at home by Fiorentina.

Reja says he does not expect Antonio Conte’s men to be knocked off their perch, citing Juve’s apparently easier run-in than that of Milan.

“Looking at the fixture list, I think they’ll stay there right until the end,” Reja said ahead of Lazio’s visit to Juventus Stadium.

“I must congratulate Conte, he’s done an extraordinary job. Antonio has given a particular mentality to his team, he’s changed their philosophy and brought in new players.

“They are Coppa Italia finalists and top of the league.”

Lazio go into the game third place in the table, looking to keep hold of the final Champions League qualification berth.

In light of what is at stake for both sides, Reja is anticipating a fiercely competitive encounter.

“It will be a fantastic game against a team enjoying an extraordinary run of form,” the former Napoli coach said.

“The fixture will be difficult for us, also due to the fact that (Stefan) Radu and (Abdoulay) Konko are out.

“Yet we have other important players possessing both quality and personality.

“Last season saw us lose in the last second, while this year (in Rome) we didn’t deserve to lose considering how we played. I hope this time the fortune goes in our favour.”