But they lead the way only just from AC Milan, on the virtue of having beaten the Rossoneri 2-0 earlier this season. Juve are certainly back though, and Antonio Conte has got his men playing for the shirt and showing class on the pitch again as the club look to bounce back finally from the mess of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006. They moved into a new stadium at the start of the season, which appears to have helped the likes of Claudio Marchisio, Simone Pepe and Andrea Pirlo on the pitch. Arturo Vidal has settled in well, whilst Allessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic have been impressive up front.
Still though, they face a battle with last season’s champions, who have been in good form after a slow start to the season. Still many of the old guard remain, such as Clarence Seedorf and Fillipo Inzaghi, though they are complemented by no little skill from the likes of Pato and Kevin Prince Boateng, and solidity through the acquisition of Philippe Mexes and the ever reassuring presence of Thiago Silva. Antonio Nocerino has been another useful addition.
The big two will be battling it out for the title with others though, and Udinese have continued to impress, despite Francesco Guidolin insisting they must avoid relegation after selling Christian Zapata, Alexis Sanchez and Gokhlan Inler in the summer. They are just two points off the pace, with Edy Reja’s ever useful Lazio just in behind too, ensuring they remain amongst the front runners.
Behind that quartet though lie a gaggle of clubs who could all become involved in the title picture. Firstly there is Inter Milan, who after a shocking start to the season when Gianpiero Gasperini was fired after just a handful of games, have recovered now under Claudio Ranieri. They had a storming second half last season and could do the same again, though cracks remain and an ageing squad may not have what it takes to last the distance.
Roma have also managed to cling on to the European battle well, in sixth, despite the transition they are in under Luis Enrique. The style of football has changed, as they look to ease themselves off dependence on Francesco Totti. The new golden boy is Eric Lamela, and the Argentine youngster has made a great start to life in Italy. And then there are Napoli. Having had a superb season last time, they have concentrated their attentions on the Champions League and it shows. Convincing wins against both Milan clubs and a good draw with Juventus has shown that they can mix it with the very best, but with Europe still on the agenda they may be more concerned with prolonging that adventure than with the title picture. Which would be a shame for Walter Mazzarri’s ever entertaining men.
