Five key stats from week 9 in Serie A - Featuring how Balotelli struggled away at Parma

3. Juventus galvanised by troubling defeats

The Bianconeri’s crushing loss to heated rivals Fiorentina last Sunday and subsequent demise midweek in the Champions League against Real Madrid look to have provided the reigning Serie A title-holders with the necessary antidote to their ills.

Though Juventus actually did quite well in the Spanish capital despite falling 2-1 to former coach Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte’s men victimised themselves once again in suffering the wrath of profligacy and defensive lapses.

Yet the Old Lady looked reborn against Genoa at the weekend, posting a Performance Score of 455 as they dominated Genoa courtesy of previously slumbering giants Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, and Kwadwo Asamoah.

The trio posted Performance Scores of 75, 62, and 62 respectively, the Italian shining above all in creating three chances, completing 92% of his passes, and succeeding in a perfect four of four attempted take ons.

Conte’s charges look to have been reinvigorated at the perfect time after largely lacking the intensity the coach has made the hallmark of his side since assuming the helm in May 2011, as they face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League whilst needing to keep the pace on the domestic front as well.