‘Could have done more’ – Antonio Conte criticises Chelsea after defeat to Juventus

Antonio Conte said Juventus executed their game-plan to perfection in their 1-0 victory over Chelsea and felt Thomas Tuchel’s side ‘could have done more’ to secure at least a point from the heavyweight Champions League clash.

Federico Chiesa beat Edouard Mendy with a smart finish shortly after half-time and the Serie A giants held firm to secure all three points from Wednesday night’s gripping Group H clash.

Romelu Lukaku spurned two huge chances to salvage a draw for the reigning European champions, heading over the crossbar before missing the target with a wayward strike at the death in Turin.

The result saw Juve go take a three-point lead over second-placed Chelsea in the group, with the Blues above Zenit St Petersburg only on goal difference.

‘Juventus’ important win is the result of an exact strategy. Juventus wanted to play this kind of game,’ former Juventus and Chelsea manager Conte told Sky Sport Italia shortly after the final whistle.

‘They didn’t concede much to Chelsea, they defended inside their own half and they were lethal with Chiesa on the counter.

‘They earned all three points against the Champions of Europe. They’ve regained their spirit

‘It’s important to keep a clean sheet against an attack like the one of Chelsea. Lukaku had a chance in the final minutes and Chelsea could have done more.

‘Juventus didn’t risk much and they thrived despite lack of ball possession. They proved to be humble.’

Speaking to JTV after the Allianz Stadium clash, Wojciech Szczesny claimed Juventus ‘really enjoyed’ defending against Chelsea.

‘We suffered at the start, but didn’t really allow Chelsea any scoring opportunities, despite the fact they are one of the best teams in Europe,’ the Juve goalkeeper said.

‘This was a victory earned with spirit, with character.

‘We really enjoyed defending, sitting deep, allowing Chelsea to keep the ball, but constantly controlling every situation that developed.’

The ex-Arsenal shot-stopper added: ‘The spirit we saw today was not present at the start of the campaign.

‘We made banal errors in the past, myself included.’

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