Antonio Conte hit back at Francesco Totti’s “pub talk provocation” and said Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus will “respond on the pitch” to Roma.

Antonio Conte hit back at Francesco Totti’s “pub talk provocation” and said Juventus will “respond on the pitch” to Roma.

There are five points separating the sides at the top of the Serie A table and they go head-to-head on Sunday at 19.45 GMT. Click here for a match preview.

Roma captain Totti and midfielder Daniele De Rossi stoked the flames this week by suggesting their team was “better” than Juve.

“When there is pub talk provocation, you have to take it as a joke and relax,” said Conte in his Press conference.

“I don’t want to respond to Totti and De Rossi’s comments, as I am accustomed to responding on the pitch. In the last two and a half years we gave a very clear response on the pitch, so…

“It seems to me that in Italy the controversy in the papers has more importance than what happens in a match situation. Instead, words are swept away on the air and facts are all that matter.”

Some have compared Rudi Garcia’s unbeaten Roma to the first year of Conte’s Juventus, rising from previous disastrous campaigns.

“They are similar journeys, as they started three years ago with Luis Enrique and during this period we won two Scudetti and two Super Cups.

“There were probably some mistakes on the market and in choosing certain men, but Roma invested more than anyone. We have been winning for three years with no mistakes and I think that is being ignored. It might seem easy, but our work has been extraordinary.

“I spoke to Garcia when we were here for the Super Cup and immediately realised this is a smart person aware of the work he had to do. He settled into a difficult atmosphere, but was fortunate to find himself at a club coming off two bad seasons – a bit like what happened to me.

“Roma’s main strength is their belief. They are still unbeaten and can go the whole season like that. We too had stronger sides facing us in 2010, so it’ll be our job to keep them behind us, well aware other teams like Napoli are ready to dive in.”

Andrea Pirlo is ready for his comeback after five weeks out, while Carlos Tevez returned late from Argentina due to a family problem and Andrea Barzagli limped off during a friendly this week.

“I have three doubts: Barzagli, Tevez and Pirlo. I will make my decision, but without fear, aware that I have a squad I can always count on.”

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