Juventus coach Antonio Conte has admitted that the strong start made by a number of sides in Italy this season has caught him off-guard.

The Old Lady are unbeaten in four league games but sit just fifth in Serie A, with Napoli and Roma setting the pace after recording four successive victories.

Fiorentina and Inter Milan are also yet to taste defeat in an encouraging opening to the campaign, with Conte insisting that it will be tougher than ever for Juve to retain their title this year.

He told Football Italia: "I honestly did not expect such strong responses from Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina.

"It's a testimony to those sides who are showing that you can get out of difficult situations through technical quality.

"It's going to be very difficult to win in Italy this season."

Juve continue their bid for a third successive Scudetto tomorrow night with a trip to Chievo.