After another solid display, where they disposed of Palermo 2-0 on Saturday, not only did Juventus extend their winning streak to four games and their unbeaten streak to 31 games, but they finally managed to return to the top of the Serie A standings.
Although it could be said that Milan surrendered their lead, after an unexpected home defeat to Fiorentina, Juventus appear to be the real deal and the odds on favourites to clinch the Scudetto this season.
Juventus had entered somewhat of a mini-crisis that lasted the whole of February until mid-March, where they won only one out of seven league games, but since then Antonio Conte's troops have rectified the situation and look almost unstoppable.
After their comfortable victory over Palermo on the weekend, Juventus quite rightly returned to the top of the Serie A and are poised to win the Scudetto, however, on Wednesday they lock horns with third-placed Lazio in what is expected to be a cracker of a match. In recent weeks Lazio have demonstrated that they are worthy of a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, and their 3-1 win over direct rivals Napoli on Saturday practically assures them of a place in Europe's maximum club competition.
This should be a warning sign for Juventus, as although they have proved a far stronger side than Lazio throughout the length of the season, the Romans seem capable of upseting them. When the sides met at the Stadio Olimpico last November the Bianconeri ran away with a 1-0 win, but at this stage of the season much more is at stake for both sides, as while Juventus will be hoping to take a step closer towards the title, Lazio will be in search of at least a point, which would facilitate entry to the Champions League.
In a recent interview with Lazio Style Radio, Lazio coach Edy Reja admitted the importance of the match his team will play against what he considers to be a very solid Juventus.
"All of Juve's players are very fast, even Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, despite their strong physique. Andrea Pirlo is a phenomenon because he always makes the difference and helps the team play good soccer," said Reja.
"Juve are in great shape, but I hope that after Saturday's victory, we have regained our fitness and nerve to try and fight for every ball on Wednesday and then for the rest of the league," he concluded.
While Lazio have an average away record this season, for many they are one of few sides capable of bringing Juventus' sensational unbeaten record to an end, because they are a very compact side and their forwards are ruthless when presented with goal-scoring opportunities. The fact that Lazio are very hungry to return to the Champions League after a lengthy exodus, should also inspire the side as they look to achieve something that no other team have managed to do in the Serie A this season.
Meanwhile, Juventus worked extremely hard to return to the top of the table, and won't allow any team to drag them down without putting up a fight. The Bianconeri have everything what it takes to rack up another three points that would put them in touching distance of the title, but nevertheless should be extremely wary of Lazio's proposed threat.
