US Sassuolo Calcio vs Juventus preview - Conte ponders resting Tevez

Posted Sunday, April 27, 2014 by PA

Juventus coach Antonio Conte must decide whether to rest striker Carlos Tevez for Monday night's Serie A trip to struggling Sassuolo.

Conte's men go into the game with a five-point lead over nearest rivals Roma with four games to play, and victory at the Stadio Citta de Tricolore can virtually wrap up the title.

But Conte will also have one eye on next Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Benfica, when his side will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit.

Conte told a press conference: "Carlos is important to us and he wants to play even when he is injured. He is doing well at the moment and he will want to play."

And Conte insisted he would not be complacent against a side who have gone three games unbeaten and moved out of the relegation zone on goal difference after Bologna's 3-0 home defeat to Fiorentina on Saturday.

Conte added: "It will not be easy because we will be facing a team in full battle for survival, and because winning will take us closer to the title.

"It is exciting and intense. This year we have a double commitment to the end of the season, and it is something that should become a habit and tradition again as we continue to move forwards."

Andrea Barzagli is a doubt after sitting out of training this week with a right heel injury while Arturo Vidal is sidelined with a knee problem.