JUVE CAN ILL AFFORD ANY MORE SLIP-UPS

THE awaited turn of fortunes may finally have arrived for stuttering Italian champions Juventus in the form of a 2-1 victory at Manchester City in their Champions League opener.

The win at the English league leaders soothed the nerves of the Bianconeri and their fans who had jeered them last weekend as Juve missed numerous chances but at least got a first point from three Serie A outings, 1-1 against Chievo.

The come-from-behind win on Tuesday at City, with Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata on target after a Giorgio Chiellini own goal, confirmed the optimism of coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has asked for patience as he has to fit many newcomers into the team tactics.

“You are always motivated for the Champions League and this win tonight is a massive morale boost. It will help us do better both in the Champions League and in Serie A. It is psychological,” Allegri said.

“Looking at how we played against Chievo and what we did (in Manchester), I’d say our prospects are good.”

But Allegri also warned that things will not be easy on Sunday when Juve visit predictably defensive Genoa.

“Compared to the Champions League, there is less space in Serie A and you need to be more careful,” he said.

Chievo sit second on seven points and are in for another tough match at home to leaders Inter Milan, on a maximum nine points after beating AC Milan 1-0.

Roma and Sassuolo are among of six chasers sitting on seven points and meet at the Stadio Olimpico.

Also clashing in the seven-point bracket are Torino and Sampdoria. Palermo visit troubled Milan, lagging on three. Udinese vs Empoli opens the weekend tomorrow along with the game in Milan. Atalanta vs Verona, Bologna vs Frosinone, Carpi vs Fiorentina, and Napoli vs Lazio make up the Sunday programme.