Andrea Pirlo will be hoping that the turn of the year can inject fresh impetus into his Juventus side when they return to action against Udinese on Sunday with a calamitous end to 2020 fresh in the memory. 
 
The Turin club’s nine-year dominance of Serie A is under threat this season, as the Italian champions must fight their way back into title contention after dropping six points in one day before the winter break. 
 
In the final round of action before Italy’s top division stopped for 10 days, Juventus fell to their first league defeat under Pirlo as struggling Fiorentina stormed to a shock 3-0 win in Turin. 
 
To make matters worse, the defeat came hours after news broke that Napoli had won an appeal against the decision to hand them a one-point deduction and award Juve a 3-0 victory for failing to turn up for their Serie A fixture in Turin in October. 
 
Napoli claimed that they were instructed by their local health authority to stay at home after two squad members had tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
But their appeals to Serie A’s disciplinary tribunal and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) were unsuccessful before the highest tribunal in Italian sport, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) Guarantee Board, ordered that the match be played later in the season. 
 
Juventus therefore lost three points from their league tally, and the subsequent combination of defeat by Fiorentina and leaders AC Milan`s late win away to Lazio suddenly left the champions down in sixth place and 10 points off top – having started the day in third and four points from first place. 
 
This sequence of events has left Pirlo and his side with a mountain to climb if they are to retain the domestic crown they`ve had an unshakeable grip on for almost a decade. 
 
Juventus` performance against Fiorentina also troubled the rookie coach, who has had a season of ups and downs since taking on his first managerial job by replacing Maurizio Sarri last year. 
 
"The attitude was wrong," he complained after the match. "We were thinking about the holidays already." 
 
Defender Leonardo Bonucci apologised to fans on social media, saying it was "the worst Juventus of the season". 
 
There will be little room for error when mid-table Udinese visit the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, as it is Juventus’ final test before they travel to San Siro to face unbeaten Milan on Wednesday. 
 
The league leaders travel to Benevento on Sunday, while second-placed Inter Milan, one point below them, host Crotone in the lunchtime kick-off. 
 
Third-placed AS Roma host Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdoria, while surprise package Sassuolo in fourth will welcome Atalanta to the Mapei Stadium in an intriguing meeting of two entertaining teams.

Andrea Pirlo will be hoping that the turn of the year can inject fresh impetus into his Juventus side when they return to action against Udinese on Sunday with a calamitous end to 2020 fresh in the memory.

Andrea Pirlo will be hoping that the turn of the year can inject fresh impetus into his Juventus side when they return to action against Udinese on Sunday with a calamitous end to 2020 fresh in the memory. The Turin club’s nine-year dominance of Serie A is under threat this season, as the Italian champions must fight their way back into title contention after dropping six points in one day before the winter break. In the final round of action before Italy’s top division stopped for 10 days, Juventus fell to their first league defeat under Pirlo as struggling Fiorentina stormed to a shock 3-0 win in Turin. To make matters worse, the defeat came hours after news broke that Napoli had won an appeal against the decision to hand them a one-point deduction and award Juve a 3-0 victory for failing to turn up for their Serie A fixture in Turin in October. Napoli claimed that they were instructed by their local health authority to stay at home after two squad members had tested positive for COVID-19. But their appeals to Serie A’s disciplinary tribunal and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) were unsuccessful before the highest tribunal in Italian sport, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) Guarantee Board, ordered that the match be played later in the season. Juventus therefore lost three points from their league tally, and the subsequent combination of defeat by Fiorentina and leaders AC Milan`s late win away to Lazio suddenly left the champions down in sixth place and 10 points off top – having started the day in third and four points from first place. This sequence of events has left Pirlo and his side with a mountain to climb if they are to retain the domestic crown they`ve had an unshakeable grip on for almost a decade. Juventus` performance against Fiorentina also troubled the rookie coach, who has had a season of ups and downs since taking on his first managerial job by replacing Maurizio Sarri last year. "The attitude was wrong," he complained after the match. "We were thinking about the holidays already." Defender Leonardo Bonucci apologised to fans on social media, saying it was "the worst Juventus of the season". There will be little room for error when mid-table Udinese visit the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, as it is Juventus’ final test before they travel to San Siro to face unbeaten Milan on Wednesday. The league leaders travel to Benevento on Sunday, while second-placed Inter Milan, one point below them, host Crotone in the lunchtime kick-off. Third-placed AS Roma host Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdoria, while surprise package Sassuolo in fourth will welcome Atalanta to the Mapei Stadium in an intriguing meeting of two entertaining teams.

Juventus aim to get back on course after disastrous end to 2020

Juventus's Serie A supremacy faces a stiff test with the champions just one point ahead of Lazio as the Italian league kicks off again this weekend following a three-month shutdown.

A return had looked unthinkable back in April as Italy counted their daily coronavirus deaths in the hundreds for nearly 35,000 victims in the country.

But the situation has improved with strict health protocols in place and all matches being played behind closed doors.

Four postponed games will take place first this weekend involving teams at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Atalanta host Sassuolo in Bergamo on Sunday, and Inter Milan are at home against Sampdoria.

On Saturday, Torino host Parma and Cagliari travel to Hellas Verona.

Next week all teams will have 12 games left to play with Juventus at Bologna on Monday, and Lazio travelling to Atalanta on Wednesday.

Maurizio Sarri's Juventus fell in the Italian Cup final to Napoli on penalties midweek, having also lost the Italian SuperCup to Lazio in December.

"Ronaldo, (Paulo) Dybala and our great soloists lack that little bit of brilliance, but I consider it quite normal in this period," said Sarri.&nbsp;

"I didn't say anything to the players, we were all very angry and disappointed and I think it's better to be silent right now."

Sarri's woes have been compounded with Brazilian defender Alex Sandro tearing a knee ligament against Napoli and Sami Khedira picking up a potentially serious tendon problem.

Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain and captain Giorgio Chiellini are also not yet at full fitness.

<h2>- Ronaldo effect -</h2>

Juventus will be counting on their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to react after suffering two defeats in a final for the first time in his career, and missing a penalty in the Italian Cup semi-final.

Lazio's Ciro Immobile has scored 27 goals this season, six more than Ronaldo, as the in-form Romans target their third Scudetto and first in two decades.

Simone Inzaghi's side have already beaten Juventus twice this season, in the Italian SuperCup final and 3-1 in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The top two teams will meet in Turin on July 20.

Inter Milan are third, nine points behind Juventus. Inter lost to Lazio (2-1) and Juventus (2-0) just before the suspension.

"If I have to find a positive part of this crisis, it's that I've had time to focus and try to find different areas in which the team can improve," said coach Antonio Conte.

Atalanta occupy the final Champions League berth, three points ahead of Roma, with Napoli sixth a further six points back.

<h2>- Maths madness -</h2>

While the championship resumes the question remains of what happens in the case of another suspension.

Plan B provides for play-offs, the format of which remains to be defined.

A final decision could open the way to use a complicated algorithm devised by the federation to establish the final ranking.&nbsp;

Who would qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League? Who would go to Serie B?&nbsp;

Very simple: PF = PT + (MPc x NPc) + (MPt x NPt)!&nbsp;

This formula means that the total points will be calculated taking into account those obtained at the time of the interruption, plus a simulation based on the average points taken at home and away multiplied by the number of matches still to play.

Got it?

It was even considered at one point to take into account the number of goals scored home and away, for an even more intimidating formula: PF = PT + 0,90 x [(MPc x NPc ) + (MPt x NPt)] + 0,10 x (iag x Δr).

"This is madness. We are at the 'Normale' of Pisa," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, referring to the prestigious Tuscan university, which has given Italy three Nobel Prize winners and two Presidents.&nbsp;

But one sticking point was cleared up Thursday with the Italian government agreeing to ease quarantine restrictions in the case of a positive test with only the infected person isolated.

The squad and staff will be closely monitored and a quick test performed on the whole team on match day, boosting hopes that the championship will be concluded.

Fixtures (all times GMT):

Saturday&nbsp;

Torino v Parma (1730), Verona v Cagliari (1945)

Sunday

Atalanta v Sassuolo (1730), Inter Milan v Sampdoria (1945)

Monday

Lecce v AC Milan (1730), Fiorentina v Brescia (1730), Bologna v Juventus (1945)

Tuesday

SPAL v Cagliari (1730), Verona v Napoli (1730), Torino v Udinese (1845), Genoa v Parma (1945)

&nbsp;

Wednesday

Inter Milan v Sassuolo (1730), Atalanta v Lazio (1945), Rome v Sampdoria (1945)

Juventus's Serie A supremacy faces a stiff test with the champions just one point ahead of Lazio as the Italian league kicks off again this weekend following a three-month shutdown.

Juventus's Serie A supremacy faces a stiff test with the champions just one point ahead of Lazio as the Italian league kicks off again this weekend following a three-month shutdown. A return had looked unthinkable back in April as Italy counted their daily coronavirus deaths in the hundreds for nearly 35,000 victims in the country. But the situation has improved with strict health protocols in place and all matches being played behind closed doors. Four postponed games will take place first this weekend involving teams at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak. Atalanta host Sassuolo in Bergamo on Sunday, and Inter Milan are at home against Sampdoria. On Saturday, Torino host Parma and Cagliari travel to Hellas Verona. Next week all teams will have 12 games left to play with Juventus at Bologna on Monday, and Lazio travelling to Atalanta on Wednesday. Maurizio Sarri's Juventus fell in the Italian Cup final to Napoli on penalties midweek, having also lost the Italian SuperCup to Lazio in December. "Ronaldo, (Paulo) Dybala and our great soloists lack that little bit of brilliance, but I consider it quite normal in this period," said Sarri. "I didn't say anything to the players, we were all very angry and disappointed and I think it's better to be silent right now." Sarri's woes have been compounded with Brazilian defender Alex Sandro tearing a knee ligament against Napoli and Sami Khedira picking up a potentially serious tendon problem. Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain and captain Giorgio Chiellini are also not yet at full fitness. - Ronaldo effect - Juventus will be counting on their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to react after suffering two defeats in a final for the first time in his career, and missing a penalty in the Italian Cup semi-final. Lazio's Ciro Immobile has scored 27 goals this season, six more than Ronaldo, as the in-form Romans target their third Scudetto and first in two decades. Simone Inzaghi's side have already beaten Juventus twice this season, in the Italian SuperCup final and 3-1 in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The top two teams will meet in Turin on July 20. Inter Milan are third, nine points behind Juventus. Inter lost to Lazio (2-1) and Juventus (2-0) just before the suspension. "If I have to find a positive part of this crisis, it's that I've had time to focus and try to find different areas in which the team can improve," said coach Antonio Conte. Atalanta occupy the final Champions League berth, three points ahead of Roma, with Napoli sixth a further six points back. - Maths madness - While the championship resumes the question remains of what happens in the case of another suspension. Plan B provides for play-offs, the format of which remains to be defined. A final decision could open the way to use a complicated algorithm devised by the federation to establish the final ranking. Who would qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League? Who would go to Serie B? Very simple: PF = PT + (MPc x NPc) + (MPt x NPt)! This formula means that the total points will be calculated taking into account those obtained at the time of the interruption, plus a simulation based on the average points taken at home and away multiplied by the number of matches still to play. Got it? It was even considered at one point to take into account the number of goals scored home and away, for an even more intimidating formula: PF = PT + 0,90 x [(MPc x NPc ) + (MPt x NPt)] + 0,10 x (iag x Δr). "This is madness. We are at the 'Normale' of Pisa," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, referring to the prestigious Tuscan university, which has given Italy three Nobel Prize winners and two Presidents. But one sticking point was cleared up Thursday with the Italian government agreeing to ease quarantine restrictions in the case of a positive test with only the infected person isolated. The squad and staff will be closely monitored and a quick test performed on the whole team on match day, boosting hopes that the championship will be concluded. Fixtures (all times GMT): Saturday Torino v Parma (1730), Verona v Cagliari (1945) Sunday Atalanta v Sassuolo (1730), Inter Milan v Sampdoria (1945) Monday Lecce v AC Milan (1730), Fiorentina v Brescia (1730), Bologna v Juventus (1945) Tuesday SPAL v Cagliari (1730), Verona v Napoli (1730), Torino v Udinese (1845), Genoa v Parma (1945) Wednesday Inter Milan v Sassuolo (1730), Atalanta v Lazio (1945), Rome v Sampdoria (1945)

Juventus supremacy under threat as Serie A returns

According to Juventus, their club's defender was Daniele Rugani tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-italian-sporting-events-including-serie-a-suspended-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-285360" hreflang="en">All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak</a>

"The footballer, Daniele Rugani, has tested positive for coronavirus-Covid-19 and is currently asymptomatic," Juve said in a statement. "Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including those who have had contact with him."

Serie A has been among the major sporting events that have been suspended due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak. Rugani has featured in seven games for Juventus this season, the latest match he played was on February 22 against Spal where the Biancori side won 2-1.

Rugani was an unused substitute for Juventus on their fixture on Sunday against Internazionale. He was seen training with his teammates on Tuesday.

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It’s time to be strong 💪🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LB19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LB19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinoAllaFine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinoAllaFine</a> <a href="https://t.co/9J1uvEsDRI">pic.twitter.com/9J1uvEsDRI</a>
— Leonardo Bonucci (@bonucci_leo19) <a href="https://twitter.com/bonucci_leo19/status/1237433572706975744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Inter Milan has been quick to act after Rugani's test, they have suspended all competitive activities which includes training due to the outbreak. Inter's Europa fixture with Getafe was suspended after Getafe president refused to travel to Italy.

However, Champions League and International football are excluded in Italy's sporting ban, this means Juventus will be facing Lyon next week.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday announced the suspension until April 3 of all sporting events in the country, including the top-flight Serie A football league, as Italy grapples with the coronavirus crisis.

"I am going to sign a decree that can be summarised as follows: I stay at home," Conte announced in a dramatic evening television address.

According to Juventus, their club's defender was Daniele Rugani tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak "The footballer, Daniele Rugani, has tested positive for coronavirus-Covid-19 and is currently asymptomatic," Juve said in a statement.

According to Juventus, their club's defender was Daniele Rugani tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak "The footballer, Daniele Rugani, has tested positive for coronavirus-Covid-19 and is currently asymptomatic," Juve said in a statement. "Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including those who have had contact with him." Serie A has been among the major sporting events that have been suspended due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak. Rugani has featured in seven games for Juventus this season, the latest match he played was on February 22 against Spal where the Biancori side won 2-1. Rugani was an unused substitute for Juventus on their fixture on Sunday against Internazionale. He was seen training with his teammates on Tuesday. It’s time to be strong 💪🏻 #LB19 #FinoAllaFine pic.twitter.com/9J1uvEsDRI — Leonardo Bonucci (@bonucci_leo19) March 10, 2020 × Inter Milan has been quick to act after Rugani's test, they have suspended all competitive activities which includes training due to the outbreak. Inter's Europa fixture with Getafe was suspended after Getafe president refused to travel to Italy. However, Champions League and International football are excluded in Italy's sporting ban, this means Juventus will be facing Lyon next week. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday announced the suspension until April 3 of all sporting events in the country, including the top-flight Serie A football league, as Italy grapples with the coronavirus crisis. "I am going to sign a decree that can be summarised as follows: I stay at home," Conte announced in a dramatic evening television address.

Juventus defender Daniele Rugani tested positive for COVID-19

Juventus beatn Crotone 3-0 to win their sixth consecutive league title.

The win means they have an unassailable fpour-point lead over second-placed AS Roma.

Massimiliano Allegri&#39;s men took a one-point lead over Roma into their penultimate game of the league campaign and needed a win to secure the title.

Ahead of their final game at Bologna next week, Juve are now four points ahead of their closest challengers.

Mandzukic gave the hosts a 12th minute lead when he met Juan Cuadrado&#39;s cross at the back post to fire past Alex Cordaz in the visitors&#39; net.

Croatia international Mandzukic, celebrating his 31st birthday, almost gave Juve a 2-0 lead before Fabio Sampirisi toe-poked the ball away from the big forward as he teed up.

But the fans who packed out Juve&#39;s stadium for their final home game of the campaign were not to be denied.

Dybala doubled the Turin giants&#39; lead with a sumptuous free kick that curled into the top corner to leave Cordaz with no chance six minutes before half-time.

And their third consecutive league and Cup double, also a record, was al but sealed seven minutes before full time when Cordaz palmed Sandro&#39;s bullet header in off the underside of the crossbar, goal-line technology confirming it had crossed the line.

Juventus&nbsp;will now turn their focus to winning an unprecedented club treble when they face 11-time champions Real Madrid in the Champions League June 3 final in Cardiff.

These are the five keys to Juventus&#39;s title success this season:

Recruitment

Juventus&#39;s path to a record sixth consecutive &#39;scudetto&#39;, and a possible treble of trophies, has been a steady work in progress but the Turin club&#39;s recruitment policy, particularly last summer, was key. Although coach Massimiliano Allegri picked his targets, most of the credit will go to general director Beppe Marotta, who thanks to some shrewd negotiating added quality to the squad -- and at a cut-price cost. Snapping up Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 and then selling the emerging French star back to the Premier League giants for 105m euros, an all-time record, last summer helped balance the books. It helped cushion the blow of paying 90m euros, an Italian record, to Napoli for the southerners&#39; 36-goal hero Gonzalo Higuain, whose 24 goals before their final game at Bologna was among the league&#39;s best. Following Andre Pirlo&#39;s departure in 2015, Juventus snapped up Bosnian free-kick specialist and midfielder Miralem Pjanic from Roma, in the process denting the capital club&#39;s title hopes. The cherry on the cake was the addition of former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who arrived on a free transfer and has since proved pivotal to their success in Italy as well as their ongoing campaign in Europe.

Tactics and man management

Under Allegri, who in 2011 helped AC Milan end a seven-year wait for the scudetto, Juventus have become one of the most potent, well-rounded teams in Europe only four years after former coach Antonio Conte dismissed their chances of ever challenging for continental honours. Allegri&#39;s nose for tactics, and how to motivate his players has been crucial. After three years of playing a 3-5-2 formation under Conte, and failing to reach the Champions League final, Allegri has reached two in just three years, having opted earlier this season for a 4-2-3-1 that, with considerable focus on individual defensive duties as well as a potent attack, has won plaudits throughout the game. Thanks to evergreen goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and a rock-solid back four bossed by Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, Juve have conceded only 26 league goals so far. Pjanic overcame a mercurial start to the season to hit some crucial free-kicks for the champions, while Juve&#39;s attack -- a three-man front line of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado -- all supporting lone striker Higuain -- has scored a combined total of 43 goals.

Flexible front men

At the start of the campaign Allegri had a problem: making sure Higuain, freshly arrived from Napoli with a new 36-league goal Serie A record in his pocket, didn&#39;t go goal-hungry. To whet Higuain&#39;s appetite but also keep the Argentina striker within the realms of his tactical plan, Allegri reshuffled, and after a few teething problems found the magic formula. Allegri convinced Mario Mandzukic to take a role out wide on the left, a switch that, despite a comparative lack of goals, brought the best out of the Croatian striker who has won extra plaudits for some dogged defensive displays. Argentina starlet Paulo Dybala slipped into his preferred role just behind Higuain, allowing the diminutive playmaker free reign on the edge of the area to dazzle opposition defences, score goals and provide crosses into the danger zone. Colombian Juan Cuadrado was at home out wide on the right, where his pace and creativity are regular problems for opposition defences. With such support, Higuain could hardly complain. Although he remains four goals behind Serie A&#39;s leading scorer Edin Dzeko, who has hit 28, Higuain has fulfilled his wish of winning trophies in Italy.

Rock solid defence

Once known for the ultra-defensive &#39;catenaccio&#39; system, designed primarily to stop opposing teams from scoring, Italian teams have since woken up to the fact that attacking play is crucial to success if they are to keep pace in Europe. But one of the keys to Juve&#39;s success this season was Allegri&#39;s insistence on every player performing defensive duties. Most, even Higuain -- who received flak in the past for being overweight and shirking when it came to tracking back -- was receptive to the idea. Two years after losing the Champions League final 3-1 to Barcelona, Allegri dangled the carrot of another promising European campaign in front of the players. And to a man, the Bianconeri responded, upping their defensive game by chasing lost possession and tracking back to cut down opposition teams&#39; chances.

Captain Buffon

Juventus wouldn&#39;t be in their current position without long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who at 39 years old remains the bedrock, and captain of the Turin giants as they head towards a possible treble, and he heads towards an expected retirement following an eventual Italy campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Champions League title remains the only major accolade missing from the 2006 World Cup winner&#39;s list of honours, but Buffon has kept his eye on the ball no matter the opposition. Two years after being nominated for the UEFA save of the season award, when he stopped Dani Alves in the 2015 Champions League final, Buffon defied the onset of age to maintain spectacular form, earning his place on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon D&#39;Or, placing ninth in the final voting alongside Real Madrid centre-back Pepe. Last January Buffon was awarded the Serie A goalkeeper of the award for an 11th time.

(AFP)

Juventus now have an unassailable four-point lead over Roma

Juventus beatn Crotone 3-0 to win their sixth consecutive league title. The win means they have an unassailable fpour-point lead over second-placed AS Roma. Massimiliano Allegri's men took a one-point lead over Roma into their penultimate game of the league campaign and needed a win to secure the title. Ahead of their final game at Bologna next week, Juve are now four points ahead of their closest challengers. Mandzukic gave the hosts a 12th minute lead when he met Juan Cuadrado's cross at the back post to fire past Alex Cordaz in the visitors' net. Croatia international Mandzukic, celebrating his 31st birthday, almost gave Juve a 2-0 lead before Fabio Sampirisi toe-poked the ball away from the big forward as he teed up. But the fans who packed out Juve's stadium for their final home game of the campaign were not to be denied. Dybala doubled the Turin giants' lead with a sumptuous free kick that curled into the top corner to leave Cordaz with no chance six minutes before half-time. And their third consecutive league and Cup double, also a record, was al but sealed seven minutes before full time when Cordaz palmed Sandro's bullet header in off the underside of the crossbar, goal-line technology confirming it had crossed the line. Juventus will now turn their focus to winning an unprecedented club treble when they face 11-time champions Real Madrid in the Champions League June 3 final in Cardiff. These are the five keys to Juventus's title success this season: Recruitment Juventus's path to a record sixth consecutive 'scudetto', and a possible treble of trophies, has been a steady work in progress but the Turin club's recruitment policy, particularly last summer, was key. Although coach Massimiliano Allegri picked his targets, most of the credit will go to general director Beppe Marotta, who thanks to some shrewd negotiating added quality to the squad -- and at a cut-price cost. Snapping up Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 and then selling the emerging French star back to the Premier League giants for 105m euros, an all-time record, last summer helped balance the books. It helped cushion the blow of paying 90m euros, an Italian record, to Napoli for the southerners' 36-goal hero Gonzalo Higuain, whose 24 goals before their final game at Bologna was among the league's best. Following Andre Pirlo's departure in 2015, Juventus snapped up Bosnian free-kick specialist and midfielder Miralem Pjanic from Roma, in the process denting the capital club's title hopes. The cherry on the cake was the addition of former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who arrived on a free transfer and has since proved pivotal to their success in Italy as well as their ongoing campaign in Europe. Tactics and man management Under Allegri, who in 2011 helped AC Milan end a seven-year wait for the scudetto, Juventus have become one of the most potent, well-rounded teams in Europe only four years after former coach Antonio Conte dismissed their chances of ever challenging for continental honours. Allegri's nose for tactics, and how to motivate his players has been crucial. After three years of playing a 3-5-2 formation under Conte, and failing to reach the Champions League final, Allegri has reached two in just three years, having opted earlier this season for a 4-2-3-1 that, with considerable focus on individual defensive duties as well as a potent attack, has won plaudits throughout the game. Thanks to evergreen goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and a rock-solid back four bossed by Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, Juve have conceded only 26 league goals so far. Pjanic overcame a mercurial start to the season to hit some crucial free-kicks for the champions, while Juve's attack -- a three-man front line of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado -- all supporting lone striker Higuain -- has scored a combined total of 43 goals. Flexible front men At the start of the campaign Allegri had a problem: making sure Higuain, freshly arrived from Napoli with a new 36-league goal Serie A record in his pocket, didn't go goal-hungry. To whet Higuain's appetite but also keep the Argentina striker within the realms of his tactical plan, Allegri reshuffled, and after a few teething problems found the magic formula. Allegri convinced Mario Mandzukic to take a role out wide on the left, a switch that, despite a comparative lack of goals, brought the best out of the Croatian striker who has won extra plaudits for some dogged defensive displays. Argentina starlet Paulo Dybala slipped into his preferred role just behind Higuain, allowing the diminutive playmaker free reign on the edge of the area to dazzle opposition defences, score goals and provide crosses into the danger zone. Colombian Juan Cuadrado was at home out wide on the right, where his pace and creativity are regular problems for opposition defences. With such support, Higuain could hardly complain. Although he remains four goals behind Serie A's leading scorer Edin Dzeko, who has hit 28, Higuain has fulfilled his wish of winning trophies in Italy. Rock solid defence Once known for the ultra-defensive 'catenaccio' system, designed primarily to stop opposing teams from scoring, Italian teams have since woken up to the fact that attacking play is crucial to success if they are to keep pace in Europe. But one of the keys to Juve's success this season was Allegri's insistence on every player performing defensive duties. Most, even Higuain -- who received flak in the past for being overweight and shirking when it came to tracking back -- was receptive to the idea. Two years after losing the Champions League final 3-1 to Barcelona, Allegri dangled the carrot of another promising European campaign in front of the players. And to a man, the Bianconeri responded, upping their defensive game by chasing lost possession and tracking back to cut down opposition teams' chances. Captain Buffon Juventus wouldn't be in their current position without long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who at 39 years old remains the bedrock, and captain of the Turin giants as they head towards a possible treble, and he heads towards an expected retirement following an eventual Italy campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Champions League title remains the only major accolade missing from the 2006 World Cup winner's list of honours, but Buffon has kept his eye on the ball no matter the opposition. Two years after being nominated for the UEFA save of the season award, when he stopped Dani Alves in the 2015 Champions League final, Buffon defied the onset of age to maintain spectacular form, earning his place on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon D'Or, placing ninth in the final voting alongside Real Madrid centre-back Pepe. Last January Buffon was awarded the Serie A goalkeeper of the award for an 11th time. (AFP)

Five key reasons behind Juventus' sixth straight league title

Leonardo Bonucci&#39;s second-half leveller saved Juventus&#39;&nbsp;blushes a day after Roma virtually conceded the title as the champions were held to their first Serie A draw in over a year at Udinese.

Juventus, aiming for a record sixth consecutive scudetto, were given a push in the right direction on Saturday when Roma&#39;s 2-1 home defeat to Napoli gave the Turin giants the chance to pull 10 points clear.

But in a cagey performance at the Dacia Stadium, filled to the brim for the visit of the 32-times Italian champions, Juve failed to capitalise, settling for their first draw of the campaign and their first in Serie A since drawing with Bologna in February 2016.&nbsp;

Massimiliano Allegri&#39;s men remain top of the pile but are now eight points ahead of Roma, with Napoli third at 10 points off the pace.

&quot;Before I say anything I have to compliment Udinese, who played a very solid game. At times they had two, three and even four players coming at our ball carriers,&quot; said Allegri.

&quot;We knew how difficult a game this would be after so many victories. It&#39;s been over a year since we&#39;ve drawn.

&quot;We made a lot of mistakes, especially in the first 20 minutes. On the plus side we gained a point on Roma but the championship is not over. Roma can still collect a lot of points.&quot;

Juventus were denied early penalty claims when Dani Alves, after pouncing on Gonzalo Higuain&#39;s smart delivery down the right, fired in a cross that appeared to come off the arm of Samir.

Referee Antonio Damato was unimpressed, and Juve suffered another blow minutes later when Duvan Zapata powered down the left, holding off Bonucci, to fire under the body of Gianluigi Buffon as the &#39;keeper came out to block at his near post.&nbsp;

But the home fans&#39; hopes of seeing Udinese hold on for a famous win were dashed on the hour.

Juventus won a free kick and when Paulo Dybala fired an inviting delivery towards the back post, Bonucci got between Silvan Widmar and Stipe Perica to head past Orestis Karnezis.

Earlier, surprise packages Atalanta stubbornly held on to fourth spot but missed out on the chance to close the gap on Napoli after seeing goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu perform heroics in a scoreless draw with Fiorentina in Bergamo.&nbsp;

That result was welcomed by rivals who are also hunting a place in Europe next season, and Inter Milan capitalised in style with a classy 5-1 win at Cagliari that saw two-goal Ivan Perisic inspire the Nerazzurri.

Inter moved up to fifth, one point ahead of city rivals AC Milan following their 3-1 win over Chievo on Saturday, although the Nerazzurri will be back down to sixth if Lazio draw or beat Bologna in Sunday&#39;s late game.

A week after being stunned 3-1 by Roma at the San Siro, Inter coach Stefano Pioli said: &quot;I&#39;ve been really pleased with how the lads have reacted after the defeat to Roma.

&quot;We looked at the footage to learn from those mistakes. Today we controlled the game, although we have to know when to speed things up and when to slow them down.&quot;

Elsewhere, Italy striker Andrea Belotti hit a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to a league-leading 22 goals in a 3-1 home win over Palermo.

Relegation candidates Palermo saw Andrea Rispoli beat England&#39;s Joe Hart from distance on the half hour.

But Belotti struck three times in the space of eight second-half minutes to hand Torino a 10th win of the campaign.&nbsp;

He now has a three-goal lead in the scoring charts on Roma&#39;s Edin Dzeko and Higuain, both on 19, with Napoli&#39;s Dries Mertens on 18 and Icardi on 17.

Belotti said: &quot;It would be amazing to win the top scorer&#39;s award.&quot;

(AFP)

Bonucci's second-half leveler save the Old Lady's blushes, and are now eight point clear of second-placed Roma

Leonardo Bonucci's second-half leveller saved Juventus' blushes a day after Roma virtually conceded the title as the champions were held to their first Serie A draw in over a year at Udinese. Juventus, aiming for a record sixth consecutive scudetto, were given a push in the right direction on Saturday when Roma's 2-1 home defeat to Napoli gave the Turin giants the chance to pull 10 points clear. But in a cagey performance at the Dacia Stadium, filled to the brim for the visit of the 32-times Italian champions, Juve failed to capitalise, settling for their first draw of the campaign and their first in Serie A since drawing with Bologna in February 2016. Massimiliano Allegri's men remain top of the pile but are now eight points ahead of Roma, with Napoli third at 10 points off the pace. "Before I say anything I have to compliment Udinese, who played a very solid game. At times they had two, three and even four players coming at our ball carriers," said Allegri. "We knew how difficult a game this would be after so many victories. It's been over a year since we've drawn. "We made a lot of mistakes, especially in the first 20 minutes. On the plus side we gained a point on Roma but the championship is not over. Roma can still collect a lot of points." Juventus were denied early penalty claims when Dani Alves, after pouncing on Gonzalo Higuain's smart delivery down the right, fired in a cross that appeared to come off the arm of Samir. Referee Antonio Damato was unimpressed, and Juve suffered another blow minutes later when Duvan Zapata powered down the left, holding off Bonucci, to fire under the body of Gianluigi Buffon as the 'keeper came out to block at his near post. But the home fans' hopes of seeing Udinese hold on for a famous win were dashed on the hour. Juventus won a free kick and when Paulo Dybala fired an inviting delivery towards the back post, Bonucci got between Silvan Widmar and Stipe Perica to head past Orestis Karnezis. Earlier, surprise packages Atalanta stubbornly held on to fourth spot but missed out on the chance to close the gap on Napoli after seeing goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu perform heroics in a scoreless draw with Fiorentina in Bergamo. That result was welcomed by rivals who are also hunting a place in Europe next season, and Inter Milan capitalised in style with a classy 5-1 win at Cagliari that saw two-goal Ivan Perisic inspire the Nerazzurri. Inter moved up to fifth, one point ahead of city rivals AC Milan following their 3-1 win over Chievo on Saturday, although the Nerazzurri will be back down to sixth if Lazio draw or beat Bologna in Sunday's late game. A week after being stunned 3-1 by Roma at the San Siro, Inter coach Stefano Pioli said: "I've been really pleased with how the lads have reacted after the defeat to Roma. "We looked at the footage to learn from those mistakes. Today we controlled the game, although we have to know when to speed things up and when to slow them down." Elsewhere, Italy striker Andrea Belotti hit a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to a league-leading 22 goals in a 3-1 home win over Palermo. Relegation candidates Palermo saw Andrea Rispoli beat England's Joe Hart from distance on the half hour. But Belotti struck three times in the space of eight second-half minutes to hand Torino a 10th win of the campaign. He now has a three-goal lead in the scoring charts on Roma's Edin Dzeko and Higuain, both on 19, with Napoli's Dries Mertens on 18 and Icardi on 17. Belotti said: "It would be amazing to win the top scorer's award." (AFP)

Juventus strive hard to earn point at Udinese, but stretch Serie A lead

Champions Juventus extended their lead at the top of Serie A to seven points with a comfortable 2-0 win at lowly Crotone on Wednesday.

Having seen their lead cut by Roma&#39;s 4-0 success over Fiorentina on Tuesday, second-half goals from Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain kept Massimiliano Allegri&#39;s team on course for a sixth straight scudetto.

&quot;We could have done better in the first half, especially in the speed of our passing, but overall we were organised, giving away little or nothing and approaching the game with lucidity and organisation,&quot; said Allegri.

&quot;Roma and Napoli (third at nine points) are playing well, but we&#39;re thinking about keeping our concentration on what we have to do.

&quot;Also tonight, for example, we didn&#39;t concede a goal and that&#39;s something positive.&quot;

The defeat leaves Crotone languishing in 19th place and nine points from safety.

The Calabrians did not disgrace themselves and proved stubborn opposition for an hour.

But they ran out of steam as Croatian Mandzukic converted a rebound following a header from Kwadwo Asamoah on 60 minutes.

With 16 minutes left, Higuain calmly slotted home when faced with only goalkeeper Alex Cordaz to beat.

That took his season&#39;s tally to 16 league goals, just one shy of Serie A&#39;s top scorer Edin Dzeko, who bagged a brace for Roma on Tuesday.

&quot;We knew it wouldn&#39;t be easy. We expected Crotone to get behind the ball, making it difficult to get forward and find the man between the lines,&quot; said Juve centre-back Leonardo Bonucci.

&quot;In the first half our tempo was low, but as Allegri said, we did well to remain patient, like we did against Inter and as we will have to in the next few games.&quot;

Later on Wednesday, AC Milan are looking to end a three-match losing streak and resurrect their fading hopes of qualifying for Europe as they travel to Bologna, themselves smarting from a 7-1 rout by Napoli at the weekend.

Milan currently sit seventh, five points behind bitter city rivals Inter Milan in the last Europa League qualification spot.

(AFP)

Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain scored for the Old Lady to calcify their chances of a sixth straight scudetto

Champions Juventus extended their lead at the top of Serie A to seven points with a comfortable 2-0 win at lowly Crotone on Wednesday. Having seen their lead cut by Roma's 4-0 success over Fiorentina on Tuesday, second-half goals from Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain kept Massimiliano Allegri's team on course for a sixth straight scudetto. "We could have done better in the first half, especially in the speed of our passing, but overall we were organised, giving away little or nothing and approaching the game with lucidity and organisation," said Allegri. "Roma and Napoli (third at nine points) are playing well, but we're thinking about keeping our concentration on what we have to do. "Also tonight, for example, we didn't concede a goal and that's something positive." The defeat leaves Crotone languishing in 19th place and nine points from safety. The Calabrians did not disgrace themselves and proved stubborn opposition for an hour. But they ran out of steam as Croatian Mandzukic converted a rebound following a header from Kwadwo Asamoah on 60 minutes. With 16 minutes left, Higuain calmly slotted home when faced with only goalkeeper Alex Cordaz to beat. That took his season's tally to 16 league goals, just one shy of Serie A's top scorer Edin Dzeko, who bagged a brace for Roma on Tuesday. "We knew it wouldn't be easy. We expected Crotone to get behind the ball, making it difficult to get forward and find the man between the lines," said Juve centre-back Leonardo Bonucci. "In the first half our tempo was low, but as Allegri said, we did well to remain patient, like we did against Inter and as we will have to in the next few games." Later on Wednesday, AC Milan are looking to end a three-match losing streak and resurrect their fading hopes of qualifying for Europe as they travel to Bologna, themselves smarting from a 7-1 rout by Napoli at the weekend. Milan currently sit seventh, five points behind bitter city rivals Inter Milan in the last Europa League qualification spot. (AFP)

Juventus beat Crotone to extend Serie A lead

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