Juventus v AC Milan: Preview

Spanish striker Alvaro Morata knows he and his Juventus team-mates must put all thoughts of next week's crunch Champions League game against Manchester City to the side and put all of their focus on Saturday's home game against AC Milan.

The defending Italian champions, who take on City next Wednesday in Turin looking to join the English club in the last 16 of the competition, can not afford to drop points in Serie A.

They are in sixth place, nine points adrift of table-toppers Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

``Considering our current position in the standings, Saturday's game is a final,'' Morata said to Gazzetta dello Sport. ``Our only focus is on the game against Milan and only after that game will we turn our attention to Wednesday's match.''

Juve endured their worst ever start to a domestic campaign, winning just one of their opening six league games.

The Bianconeri got victories against Torino and Empoli prior to the international break, though, and will be looking to make it three league wins in a row for the first time this season.

``We are playing better and winning,'' Morata said. ``Our fans have been patient when things didn't go well for us and I believe now we will repay that trust with good performances.''

Morata is convinced his team will battle for the scudetto this season, provided they keep up their good run of form.

``In a different tournament, a nine-point difference would be considered too much, but in Serie A anything can happen,'' Morata said. ``In Serie A, you can lose against any team and that is why I'm convinced we will return to lead the standings.

``Our aim is to get as many points as possible from here until Christmas.''

Juve, coached by former AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, will not be at full strength.

Defender Martin Caceres is sidelined with a thigh injury he sustained while on international duty with Uruguay.

Moreover, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and defender Stephan Lichsteiner picked up muscular injuries this week while representing Italy and Switzerland, respectively, and are doubtful.

Should Buffon fail to recover, Norberto Neto would play between the posts.

Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic is set to miss the encounter after sustaining a left ankle injury against Russia, leaving Paulo Dybala to partner Morata in Juve's attack.

AC Milan travel to Turin unbeaten since October 4.

The Rossoneri saw their three-match winning run halted in a goalless result against Atalanta last time out and they sit one place and two points clear of Juve.