Speaking at the press conference ahead of Juventus’ Serie A curtain raiser away to Chievo Verona, Juventus manager Max Allegri conceded his squad “need to hit the ground running” due to other clubs strengthening their squads over the summer.

“We have strengthened the squad over the summer, but so have many of our rivals. I would not say this season will necessarily be more difficult than the last, but we need to hit the ground running from the very start,” Allegri said to the gathered press.

Juventus kick start their 7th consecutive title defence tomorrow evening at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi where marquee signing Cristiano Ronaldo will – as confirmed by Allegri – make his competitive debut for the Bianconeri.