The start of the year has proved tough for the Bianconeri, having suffered from poor form, bad luck and the absences of key men. With Napoli winning their match on Saturday night, Juventus were under an increasing amount of pressure to win away against Chievo and prove they are the best team in Serie A. Maintaining a three point lead at the top of the league was of the utmost importance but Verona has not been kind to the Old Lady in recent years.

- Juve back on top with Chievo win

Juventus last won away against Chievo in 2008. Since then, they have either lost or drawn their matches. Without two of their starting defenders, the worry was that the Bianconeri would suffer in the face of their opponents' physical approach to the game and their ability to score from counter-attacks.

The Verona side quickly demonstrated their strength. Under the tutelage of Eugenio Corini, the squad are well organised and cohesive with each player aware of their team-mates' movements. They tackle a lot, they foul even more and they win practically everything in the air.

However, each good attacking movement resulted in very little as what the Flying Donkeys failed to do was make decent runs into the box. Juventus found it easy to defend their area in the first half as their opponents rarely provided enough bodies to fight for the ball. Reliant on Alberto Paloschi to provide something special, the Old Lady remained attentive and organised in defence.

Gianluigi Buffon proved immense on the day as he came out at the right times in addition to providing a vital tackle to lend a hand to his make-shift defence.

The Bianconeri controlled the first half with ease and were allowed to do so when Alessandro Matri scored the opening goal within the first ten minutes of the game. A magnificent left-footed volley demonstrated just how important a striker is for a side that has everything except a genuine finisher.

Matri and Sebastian Giovinco worked well together with the former showing off his mobility and capacity to jump on any error in defence. Whilst Gio always struggles to complete his chances, he was vital in creating play. A stunning, well-worked second goal, saw the two forwards combine brilliantly with Stefan Lichtsteiner to double their advantage. Matri squared a perfect pass to Giovinco who then back-heeled the ball for the right wing-back to finish comfortably.

Chievo erred when they neglected to effectively close down Andrea Pirlo and as such, the playmaker was allowed all the time and space in the world to create. Unlike recent matches, Juventus tried to stretch the back-line and create gaps through the middle as opposed to relying on intricate play within the box.

The second half proved much more challenging for the Bianconeri, who faced a more determined opponent. The Gialloblu decided to revert to a four-man back-line, which allowed them greater control and the ability to be more attacking. The Old Lady had returned from half time somewhat fatigued and disinterested and within seven minutes, the home side scored from their first real chance in the game.

The goal provoked a panicked response from the Italian giants who struggled to compose themselves for the next 20 minutes or so as Chievo seemed determined to make life difficult. They applied pressure high up the pitch, disturbed Juve's fluency in passing and attempted to win the ball back in dangerous areas to quickly mount an attacking move.

Apparently adept at giving up leads thus far in the year, the Old Lady managed to regain control of the ball to grab all three points.

For a team that was missing five starters and their Coach on the sidelines, Juventus performed admirably well to prove they can produce when their backs are against the wall. Angelo Alessio may have looked anxious but he rejected the notion of fear and insisted his side were calm and composed at all times.

As well as restoring their three-point lead at the top, Juve have claimed their first away win of the year.

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