Despite being 11 points behind Serie A league leaders Juventus, Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte has declared Milan as title contenders.
“Milan, with Balotelli, can win the Scudetto as soon as this season,” Conte announced.
The Rossoneri are unbeaten in their last seven, with the club’s last loss coming on December 22 to Roma. Meanwhile, Balotelli as tallied four goals in three matches for the team.
Despite Conte’s assertion that Milan are title contenders, the club have their sights currently set on finishing third. Milan are set to face city rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday as both clubs are currently fighting for that final Champions League spot.
Conte also spoke about Milan’s Champions League tie against Barcelona saying, “I hope that Milan go through. I support all Italian clubs in Europe – especially since we need to start picking up coefficient points.”
Conte’s Juventus will play their second leg fixture against Celtic next week in Turin. The Bianconeri defeated the Scottish giants 3-0 in Glasgow a week ago.
The Juventus boss closed his comments by taking a shot at Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, when Conte said, “How do you stop Messi? With a gun.”
Conte continued, “Berlusconi? Andrea Agnelli, fortunately, never gives me any suggestions.”
The coach’s comments were a reaction to Berlusconi’s comments that Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri should man-mark Lionel Messi.
Juventus will face Milan on April 21 at the Juventus Stadium.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter @CalcioFarmer, Drew is the Forzaitalianfootball.com Genoa correspondent and also hosts the Forzaitalianfootball.com weekly Club Focus podcast.
