Juventus pledge to defend manager Antonio Conte after following 10-month ban

Juventus have said that they will support manager Antonio Conte and launch an immediate appeal after he was handed a 10-month ban by Italian prosecutors.

The 43-year-old has been given the punishment for failing to report instances of match-fixing during his time as boss of Serie B side Siena.

Serie A champions Juve released a statement saying: "Juventus Football Club reiterates its full support for Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio in the hope the next stage of the process will finally prove their innocence.

"A group of legal professionals have been appointed by the individuals concerned and, with the full support of the club, is already working to prepare grounds for an appeal."

Conte's assistant Alessio is also facing an eight-month ban for his involvement, leaving Massimo Carrera as caretaker coach of the Turin club.

First-team regulars Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe have been acquitted of all charges and are free to play in the Supercoppa this weekend against Napoli.