Juventus manager Antonio Conte has hailed his team for their "amazing" first half to the season.

The Bianconeri are currently eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table, having won their last 11 league matches, and Conte believes that his team have the desire to maintain their record-breaking run.

"I think we have produced an amazing first round, amazing from all points of view," he told reporters. "On the one hand because of the uniqueness in our numbers and also for the numbers of our direct rivals, such as Roma and Napoli, who have practically reached record points totals too.

"Seeing their extraordinary seasons, we realise even more the extraordinary nature of what we have done in the first round. And I think it will be difficult, very, very difficult, to repeat. Let's say that it's okay. I can't think of another first round where a team has won 17, drawn one and lost one. I repeat, it will be very difficult to repeat such a situation in the future for Juventus or any other team.

"Is there the desire to maintain the mood, as well as the form? I think that in these two-and-a-half years we have had an important journey with Juventus, with the work we have done we have been able to bring everyone together to a high level and this has become a coveted team."

Juventus host Sampdoria in Serie A on Saturday.