The reigning champions' 2-0 defeat of title rivals Inter Milan a fortnight ago was their sixth win on the trot and left them two victories short of the record set by the Juventus teams of the 1930-31 and 1985-86 seasons.

Before the break for international matches when Juve outclassed Inter at the Delle Alpi stadium, Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport were in awe of Turin's seemingly unstoppable 'Old Lady'.

"The perfect machine," boomed Italy's biggest selling newspaper. "An expensive armoury, a fearless superhero. You choose the metaphor that best describes the power of Juventus.

"Six wins in six matches and five points clear of the 'human' teams, AC Milan and Fiorentina.

"They organize themselves like a Roman legion. Intelligent when under pressure and only too willing to make sacrifices for each other.

"The addition of Patrick Vieira to the midfield and the pairing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet in attack has completed the perfect jigsaw and reinforced their air of invincibility."

While Juve have swept all before them Messina, whose defence has leaked 12 goals in six matches, are still searching for their first victory.

However, Juve's Mauro Camoranesi, who helped Italy qualify for the World Cup finals last week, believes Saturday's match could prove difficult despite the two teams' contrasting fortunes.

"Most of our squad were involved in international games, while Messina have had more time to prepare," said the Argentina-born midfielder.

"Last season we beat them 2-1 in Turin, but we really had to work hard for the victory."

Juventus could be without Vieira and Ibrahimovic who both picked up injuries while on international duty.

Rejuvenated AC Milan, who took just four points from the first nine but have since won their last three games, visit Cagliari.

Milan will have to make do without imperious central defender Alessandro Nesta. The Italy international underwent surgery on his injured left hand on Wednesday and is expected to be ruled out for a month.

Struggling Cagliari are tied with Messina on three points and have already sacked two coaches with the season only seven weeks old.

Fiorentina face a tough test away to Lazio, who boast a 100 per cent home record, while Inter, lying six points behind Juve, will be looking to put their championship challenge back on track at home to Livorno.

Bottom club Treviso, with one point and one goal to their name, visit Parma.

FIXTURES
(all 1300 GMT kick-off unless stated)
Saturday: Siena v Udinese (1600), Juventus v Messina (1830)
Sunday: Ascoli v Sampdoria, Cagliari v AC Milan (1830), Empoli v Roma, Inter Milan v Livorno, Lazio v Fiorentina, Palermo v Chievo, Parma v Treviso, Reggina v Lecce