Andrea Pirlo's unbeaten Juventus welcome Hellas Verona to the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Sunday evening, looking to keep pace with early table-toppers AC Milan.
However, circumstances surrounding their preparations for the game - such as the continued absence of Cristiano Ronaldo following a second positive COVID-19 test - mean that the visitors may even entertain thoughts of extending their impressive start to the campaign.
Match preview
Juventus have not yet shown their best this season, given a squad so rich in quality and depth.
A successful jaunt to Kiev in midweek, though, may have boosted the spirits of Pirlo's somewhat transitional side.
The effects of such travel could well be felt in the latter stages against Verona, but the Bianconeri are still expected to take maximum points on Sunday.
Playing a day ahead of Milan's enticing game with Roma gives the defending champions a golden opportunity to re-state their case as favourites for the scudetto, just as doubts about their ability to hold off a closing pack this year begin to rise.
Ronaldo's absence - along with that of Weston McKennie - is far from insurmountable with such a formidable squad at the command of their rookie coach, and any team which can afford to keep the sublimely gifted Paulo Dybala on the bench, is surely not short of resources.
Even for a side with an almost indecently dominant home record generally, Juventus have particularly enjoyed entertaining Verona in the recent past, having scored in each of their last 14 matches against them.
Remarkably, they have faced the side from Veneto on home soil more than any other current Serie A club without ever losing, although they were defeated at the Bentegodi the last time the two sides met, back in February.
Alvaro Morata's brace in Ukraine will give the peripatetic forward a shot of confidence that he can succeed in the gaping absence of 'CR7'.
Whenever the Portuguese maestro has been ruled out of action, Juve have won 54% of their matches - with Ronaldo present, that percentage stands at 73. Morata's input - plus that of Dybala, if given the opportunity - will be crucial if that statistic is to improve.
Sunday's opponents Verona are on the longest run, of 12 games, without an away win among current Serie A sides - their worst such run since 2016. They have, however, conceded the fewest goals in the league this season - just one in four games, alongside leaders Milan - which is a club record at this level.
The surprising ability of lowly Crotone to hold Juventus largely at bay last weekend, in their shock 1-1 draw, can offer Verona hope - and perhaps a template of how to combat the Turin giants' formidable weaponry.
The Gialloblu themselves were held to a rare Serie A stalemate by virus-stricken Genoa and even the introduction of debutant Nikola Kalinic could not break the deadlock. They were continuously kept at bay by inspired goalkeeper Mattia Perin - on loan at the Grifone from Juventus.
Highly-rated coach Ivan Juric is actually of an attacking persuasion, though his strikers have thus far underwhelmed.
Kalinic - who enjoys a particularly good record against the champions - could be crucial in turning their promising approach play into goals on a more regular basis. The well-travelled compatriot of manager Juric may not start but could well have a say in the outcome of the match, if given enough time to make an impact.
Juventus Serie A form: WDWD
Juventus form (all competitions): WDWDW
Hellas Verona Serie A form: WWLD
Team News
Andrea Pirlo will be without Federico Chiesa - assist-maker and recipient of a red card on his debut last week - through suspension.
Skipper Giorgio Chiellini, finally showing signs of decline after years of inspired service, is likely to be replaced by Merih Demiral. Matthijs de Ligt continues to re-integrate into the squad after shoulder surgery.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Weston McKennie are still under quarantine, so miss another Serie A fixture.
Juan Cuadrado is set to start on the right, with Gianluca Frabotta on the left, though Federico Bernardeschi could contend for one of those slots.
Dybala will be given an overdue start after fully recovering from illness, while Aaron Ramsey and Dejan Kulusevski could play roles in support.
Verona chief Juric may opt to stiffen midfield for their toughest trip of the year. Ivan Ilic, on loan from Manchester City, filled in admirably for skipper Miguel Veloso and would again take care of set pieces if the veteran Portuguese midfielder is still absent through injury.
Mert Cetin, Andrea Danzi and Marco Benassi are out injured, while Koray Gunter and midfielder Antonin Barak are still self-isolating.
Juventus possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Demiral; Cuadrado, Arthur, Bentancur, Frabotta; Ramsey, Dybala; Morata
Hellas Verona possible starting lineup:
Silvestri; Empereur, Ceccherini, Lovato; Faraoni, Ilic, Tameze, Lazovic; Colley, Zaccagni; Di Carmine
We say: Juventus 3-1 Hellas Verona
Morata's Champions League double was just the tonic for Juventus, in the aftermath of a disappointing draw with Serie A new boys Crotone.
Now given the opportunity - so desired by Juve fans and club legend Alessandro Del Piero - to find his feet again, Paulo Dybala can surely aid the Spain striker in slicing through Verona's hitherto solid defence.
Top betting tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:databody check tags ::
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