ESPNsoccernet: Europe

ROME -- Juventus coach Antonio Conte's match-fixing ban has been reduced from 10 to four months.

Italy's sports arbitration court ruled Friday that Conte can return Dec. 8 instead of next June.

The ban stems from two seasons ago, when Conte coached Siena in Serie B.

The reduction came after the panel apparently concluded that Conte did not keep forward Salvatore Mastronunzio out of Siena's squad because he refused to take part in fixing, as had been suggested.

Conte remains guilty of failing to report fixing in a match between Siena and Albinoleffe's in the 2010-11 season.

FIFA extended the ban worldwide last month.

Through six matches, Juventus is tied for the Serie A lead with Napoli.