Conte: “A winning mentality”

Antonio Conte has warned his side to expect a stern test from an in-form Lazio on Wednesday night at Juventus Stadium. Both teams are currently in the fight for a Champions League spot and the Biancocelesti travel to Turin after strengthening their grip on third place with last week’s 3-1 win over Napoli. Speaking from an afternoon press conference, Conte said: “It will be a tough game from every point of view and we’ll need to be at our best to take all three points. They’re after a place in the Champions League - an extremely important target – and we’re also going for the same goal. Winning tomorrow would see us guarantee a spot and this needs to be a great motivation, whilst remaining aware of the threat posed by an in-form Lazio.” Last Saturday saw the Bianconeri grind out an impressive 2-0 win over Palermo in the knowledge that a victory would see them overtake Milan to regain top spot. And the fixture calendar has once again dictated that Conte’s men will be in a similar situation tomorrow, as the Rossoneri take on Chievo this evening. “Nothing will change. We’ll go looking for the win regardless of Milan’s result. That’s how it’s always been this season and how it must continue to be right until the end. We started a long way off and being Milan’s rivals with just seven games to go is something that must fill us with pride.” The 42-year-old then moved on to outline the unprecedented development shown by his side throughout a magnificent championship campaign. “There’s been an exponential growth as far as we’re concerned. People predicted us to end the season in fifth or sixth place - a repeat of last year’s finish. Instead we’ve had an extraordinary and unexpected year. I say unexpected, but at the same time it’s come about through the great work carried out by my players from the very first day of pre-season.” Conte drew to a close by reiterating the confidence he possesses in his team’s state of form. “The side is in good shape, both physically and mentally. We’ve worked a lot on establishing a winning mentality and are continuing to do so. It's important we give our all right until the end of the season."