Juventus coach Antonio Conte will have to wait until next week at the earliest before discovering whether a 10-month worldwide touchline ban will be reduced on appeal, after a hearing was adjourned yesterday.

Conte was suspended by the Italian authorities before the start of the season after being accused of failing to disclose knowledge of match-fixing during his time at Siena in the 2010-11 season.

Laywers representing the Juve coach met with arbitrators of Italy’s National Court of Arbitration for Sport (TNAS) yesterday in a bid to submit evidence that would help drastically reduce the ban.

The lawyers want evidence from former Siena player Salvatore Mastronunzio and that of Cristian Stellini, the club’s former doctor, to be taken into account.

One of Conte’s two lawyers, Giulia Bongiorno, believes the evidence from Mastronunzio could be crucial.

“We think it’s essential Mastronunzio is heard. His testimony can reverse the whole decision,” said Bongiorno.

“Our objective remains the acquittal (of Conte).”

After two hours of talks, TNAS said a decision on whether to admit the evidence would be made on Sunday at the latest and that the full reasons for whichever decision is reached would be given before November 15.

Conte’s ban has been endorsed by football’s world ruling body FIFA, meaning he cannot coach the Serie A champions during international as well as domestic fixtures.

Juventus hosted Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League last night under the charge of caretaker coach Massimo Carrera, who has steered Juve admirably in Conte’s absence.

Juve sit top of the league ahead of Napoli on goal difference after six games, thanks to five wins and one defeat.