Conte: We must do well in Italy if..

Antonio Conte believes his side must do well in Italy if they want to 'make progress in Europe'.

The manager who just returned from suspension said: 'In order to make progress in Europe we have to show our worth in Italy. It would be great to win another title.

'Playing in the Champions League is crucial if we want to start spending 40-45 million, which we haven't got today. Anyone can win once, but winning the title for two seasons on the trot is by no means easy.

'We have opened up a useful gap over Inter, but it'll vanish if we can't keep on winning. This season we have put the past behind us; we know where we stand. Last season we started off as a bit of an unknown quantity even though we had already raised a few eyebrows by this time last year. It will be difficult to follow.

'We are at the top of the table and deservedly so because we have worked hard to get there. Let's not just pass it off as run of the mill, because it isn't.'

Dec. 11, 2012.