Pepe almost left Juventus

Simone Pepe has admitted he almost left Juventus for Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg, but was persuaded to stay by coach Antonio Conte.
The 28-year-old midfielder has started in four of five games for Conte this term - to help guide the Bianconeri to top spot on the table on goal difference from Udinese.
Pepe was linked with a summer exit after a mixed season under previous boss Luigi Del Neri, however, he admits Conte gave him a glowing assessment when telling him to remain.
"Conte was direct with me when we were talking about a possible move to Zenit," Pepe told Juventus Channel.
"Conte said to me 'you will not be leaving this club, now lets get to work' and from then on I knew he had faith in me. This acted like a motivation."
Juventus have made a flying start to the season and they cleared the first big hurdle of their campaign thus far after beating AC Milan 2-0 last weekend.
And Pepe hopes the standard is maintained, saying: "Our strength is the intensity which comes to us every week, but it also arrives from the coach."

"We have started really well and so we have to continue with the winning mentality for every game."