Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has suggested that his side are finally starting to make improvements after a troublesome start to the Serie A season.

Last year's champions began their defence of the title in poor fashion, but have now managed to climb up into sixth place in the standings, while also securing qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

"We're coming off of three victories in. We earned qualification to the [Champions League] knockout stages, and you see we're getting better," Allegri told reporters ahead of Sunday's domestic clash with Palermo.

"The team I put on the field is dependent on the characteristics of the individual players. My preference is the player that makes the difference and not just the formation of the team, otherwise we remain limited.

"When you see the European teams play, the difference is made by the players and not the formation of the team. That is the goal that I set for myself last year, to grow into that European level, and I think we're doing just that."

The Old Lady have so far amassed 21 points from 13 games played in Serie A this term.