Consecutive defeats to Newcastle United and Hamburg has heaped pressure on Claudio Ranieri's team, but goalkeeper Buffon insists: "The defeats at this time act as motivation. No-one has yet seen the true Juve. We've lost to opponents well ahead of us in their preseason programme.

"The defence played better against Hamburg. I'm positive about things. Sure, if we compared this Juve with the one of two years ago we would become demoralised. But this is a new era, we have no need to fear anyone. With our skill and ability we can match any team."