From a seemingly unassailable position, the 27-time Italian champions have seen their advantage slashed from eight points to just two after consecutive defeats to Sampdoria and Palermo.

With 15 games left, Juve are desperate for three points to prevent resurgent title-holders AC Milan from overtaking them, but midfielder Gianluca Zambrotta is backing the Old Lady of Turin to overcome her title jitters.

"We won't be hiding; we've lost two games but there is no crisis," said the 27-year-old Italy international.

"It's been an unlucky period, but it will pass. Udinese will provide us with a good test and a win will show we've learned from our mistakes and that we are back on track."

Zambrotta may be confident, but Juve can expect no favours from an Udinese team aiming for a top four finish and a place in the Champions League for the very first time.

Back-to-back wins for Luciano Spalletti's team have left them on 40 points, eight adrift of AC Milan and 10 behind pacesetters Juve.

Juve coach Fabio Capello welcomes back right-sided midfielder Mauro Camoranesi from suspension, while Czech playmaker Pavel Nedved could play some part in the match.

The 2003 European-footballer-of-the-year has been out of action for almost three weeks after injuring his left knee against Brescia. Alessandro Del Piero, whose form has dipped dramatically, is likely to remain on the bench.

Reigning champions Milan, who have reignited their push for the title with two victories on the trot, face a tough challenge away to Reggina. The Calabrian side have already beaten Juventus and Roma at their intimidating Granillo stadium.

AC Milan coach is likely to play Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko from the start to partner the in-form Hernan Crespo up front.

Shevchenko, who has recently recovered from a twisted right ankle, came off the bench to score a superb free-kick in Milan's 2-1 home win against Lazio last weekend, while Crespo grabbed a brace for Argentina in Wednesday's 2-2 friendly draw against Germany.

Adriano has given Inter Milan a welcome boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday's home game against Roma. The Brazilian striker, who has scored 14 league goals, has recovered from a calf strain and is raring to go.

"I feel great, he said after scoring in a 2-1 friendly win over Romanian side Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday.

"By Saturday Ill be 100 per cent."

Fourth-placed Inter have 39 points from their 23 matches, one more than Sampdoria and four more than Roma.