Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri offered no excuses after their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Udinese last night.

"We knew it was going to be difficult," mused Ranieri.

"Once they took the lead, they proved impeccable both in defence and on the counter-attack. We gave them a helping hand by passing the ball around too slowly and not finding space on the flanks.

"Mind you, I cannot expect these lads to always play at such a high level in every single match."

Inter's win in Catania and this defeat means Juventus go from three points off the leaders to six, while Milan are approaching them for second place.

"It will be tough to win the Scudetto, but we will try to get closer and soon enough can count on the return of many important players."