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Conte: It is justice to give Napoli back their deducted points
Jan 20, 2013 12:20:00 AM
The Bianconeri boss gave his opinion on the acquittal of his side's Scudetto opponents from the recent match-fixing scandal in Italy, although he remained critical of his own ban
Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes the lifting of charges against Napoli for their alleged involvement in the Scommessopoli saga was the correct decision, as his men ran out 4-0 winners against Udinese on Saturday.Walter Mazzari's side were handed a two-point penalty which they successfully appealed against on Thursday, while Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava had bans from playing for the rest of the current season overturned.
"It is justice to give Napoli back their deducted points, and acquit Cannavaro and Grava," Conte said to assembled reporters. "However, I shouldn't have been disqualified either."
The successful appeal of the Partenopei's two-point penalty ensures the Italian outfit remain in the hunt for the Scudetto, although Juventus managed to extend their lead at the top of Serie A thanks to a brace by Paul Pogba that swept Udinese aside.
"Pogba has similar characteristics to Frank Rijkaard, and can still grow to become one of the world's best in this role. Paul is the proof that talent can be brought to the fore when organisation is in place," Conte said.
"My players are working seriously without the injured players. We always place the team above individuals, and always had things under control tonight.
"Despite the many absentees, very few noticed thanks to the great performances by those who stepped in."
The club are enduring an injury crisis that ruled out the participation of Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio amongst others, although Mirko Vucinic capped his return to the starting line-up with a goal.
"After the last two games, tonight’s success represents a much-needed victory," the Montenegrin said. "My condition is improving on a daily basis.
"We'll start to prepare against Lazio tomorrow, which is always a special game for me."
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