Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte insists he was never close to returning to Juventus this summer.

Conte was mentioned as a replacement for Max Allegri.

But he says, "No, I've never been close to the Juventus bench. I never received any phone calls, it was always Inter who showed great affection and interest in me.

“It's for that reason I feel the great responsibility towards my new club, to build something that isn't present at the moment."

Juve eventually went for Maurizio Sarri, who had replaced him at Chelsea.

“If Juve made that decision, they'll have had good reasons. It's not for me to judge him.

“Certainly, there will be emotion on my part. It's the first time I've faced the Bianconeri as an opponent since my relationship with them ended.

“Seeing so many of my friends again will be exciting, but that will all be put to one side once the game starts. Juve are an opponent for me and Juve also consider me as such."