Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned his players that there is a long way to go in the Serie A title race following their 4-0 win over Hellas Verona.

The defending champions opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table over the weekend as they earned a thumping victory on home turf.

However, Allegri believes that Roma will keep challenging his side for the title until the end of the season.

"There's still a long way to go, we know we could experience sticky patches at some stage," the Italian told the club's official website.

"We are five points clear and there are 19 league games remaining so we have to work in the same manner. In the second half of the season it is always more difficult to take points and we will try to prepare in the best possible way.

"We have an advantage over Roma but we cannot allow ourselves to take false steps. We have already drawn four games."

Juventus continue the defence of their title this Sunday when they host Chievo.