In their last match before the November international break, Juventus travelled east to Verona to take on a Chievo side renowned for its defensive solidity at the cavernous Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.
They knew they were in for a tough test, with coach Rolando Maran making his intentions clear from the outset. The 53-year-old abandoned his usual 4-3-1-2 formation for the Serie A clash, instead lining up with a five-man defence, happy to protect them with four midfielders and leaving Antonio Floro Flores as his only out-and-out striker.
With an obviously negative and resilient opponent waiting, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri gave his side more freedom, continuing with the back four rather than reverting to the usual 3-5-2.