Conte proud of winter champs Juventus

Antonio Conte has hailed his Juventus players after being crowned winter champs following victory over Atalanta.

The crown of Winter champions is given to the team on top of the table at the midway stage and more often than not it leads on to the Scudetto.

“Our first half of the campaign has been extraordinary,” he said after the 2-0 win away to Atalanta this evening ensured they remain unbeaten.

“We played at a very high level and tonight was the crowning moment. My lads have done remarkable things, but now we must continue giving 120 per cent, as that is the only way to keep hold of the top spot. We are out in front of teams that were favourites before the season began.

“We create many chances, but admittedly do miss quite a few as well, so I guess that’s inevitable. Perhaps we should be a little calmer, but the side does play with great intensity.

“Atalanta are an organised outfit, so we needed a great performance to beat them. There are some negatives from today, as we hope Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe’s injuries aren’t too serious.”