After his team's defeat in the Milan derby last weekend, AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said he believed Juventus would be impossible to catch.

Champions Juve's start of 14 wins from 15 games has given them 42 points, 10 ahead of their nearest rivals, Inter Milan and Fiorentina. AC Milan lie fourth on 31 points.

Juve's last Serie A opponents, Cagliari, looked hopelessly out of their depth as they went down 4-0 last weekend but Saturday's game at least offers the possibility of an upset.

The Turin team needed an 85th-minute Pavel Nedved goal to bring home the points from the same fixture last season.

Lazio's form at the Olympic Stadium this season, played seven, won five, lost none, should give hope to those praying for the leaders to slip up.

Teams to struggle against Lazio in Rome this season include Fiorentina, who lost 1-0, and Inter, who stuttered to a goalless draw.

Lazio's influential Brazilian winger Cesar is expected to miss out with a thigh strain but the side still contain dangerous players.

Striker Tommaso Rocchi, who grew up in Juve's youth system, scored a hat-trick against his alma mater in January 2004 when he was playing for Empoli.

Juventus are at full-strength except in goal where reserve keeper Christian Abbiati continues to stand in for Gianluigi Buffon, whose return to the first team has been delayed by a toe injury.

If Juventus drop points, their pursuers are almost certain to make up ground.

Inter look a safe bet to rack up their fifth consecutive Serie A win, at Reggina on Sunday.

Fiorentina appear too strong for Tuscan rivals Empoli while AC Milan play relegation candidates Messina at the San Siro.

FIXTURES
Saturday, December 17 (GMT)
Treviso v Lecce (1700)
Lazio v Juventus (1930)
Sunday, December 18 (GMT)
AC Milan v Messina (1400)
Cagliari v Ascoli (1400)
Chievo Verona v Udinese (1400)
Empoli v Fiorentina (1400)
Palermo v Livorno (1400)
Reggina v Inter Milan (1400)
Siena v Parma (1400)
Sampdoria v AS Roma (1930)