Allegri has also looked to play left-footers – Paulo Dybala or Douglas Costa – on the right side of his front line, who can drive inside on to their stronger foot. This inside movement naturally creates more space for the right-back to move forward, and thus supply crosses from differing angles. This variety of delivery makes the Juventus attack far less predictable, and Mandzukic can then vary his movements inside the penalty area when attacking the ball.

The Croatian who knocked England out of the World Cup in the summer is already looking to develop an excellent understanding with Ronaldo. Against various opponents so far this season, the pair have frequently rotated roles, with one looking to occupy the central defenders and then pull away from the penalty area for cutbacks, while the other sneaks around the back and attacks crosses against the full-back. Four Serie A goals each to date suggests their approach is working.

Potential weaknesses

Despite their offensive strength from wide areas, Juventus are also on a run of conceding in similar fashion – and this runs back well into last season. They have a squad packed with experienced and organised defenders, but they can still be exposed at corner kicks and have conceded headed goals from both set-pieces and open play in recent times.