Milan - A good showing in the Champions League may have signalled the end of a bad run for struggling giants Juventus ahead of a city derby they play late Saturday with Torino.

The injury plagued black-whites beat guests Real Madrid 2-1 in mid-week despite a massive injury list that includes top-notch players like goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, striker David Trezeguet and playmaker Mauro Camoranesi.

Coach Claudio Ranieri said he "was certain that the team would react. Their unity, concentration and determination were the best response in this difficult moment."

Two straight defeats in the Serie A held Juve on nine points from seven games, far less than the 16 points of leading champions Inter Milan, but Ranieri pointed out that his side's point-tally is the same as last year.

Torino, meanwhile, lost their last three games and lie low on five points, but traditionally get all their grit out when they meet the cross-town rivals at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mild signs of improvement came in-mid-week from Roma, another injury-plagued powerhouse who started the season in dismal fashion and lag behind on seven points when they visit Udinese on Sunday.

The Rome side were impressive despite losing 1-0 away to Chelsea in the Champions League, but lost midfielder Alberto Aquilani to an injury as captain Francesco Totti is slowly recovering his best form.

Their opponents Udinese are joint-second on 14 points next to surprising Catania, who visit Siena Saturday afternoon, and Napoli, travelling to Rome Sunday to tackle Lazio after beating Juve 2-1.

Also well positioned are Atalanta, lying next to giants AC Milan on 13 points when they welcome them for a Lombardy derby.

Other sides on 13 points are Lazio and Fiorentina, who close the weekend late Sunday at Palermo looking to forget a 3-0 drubbing suffered at Bayern Munich.

There were no problems for Inter, although they did not shine, as they edged visiting Cyprus side Anorthosis 1-0 in mid-week through a goal from Adriano.

"I still miss something," the powerful Brazilian striker said. "I always try to do good training sessions to get my best form, but now I'm close to my best and I'm happy."

Guests Genoa arrive in Milan with a bad record of three defeats from as many away games, but are well off on 12 points having won all their four home games.

In other action, promoted Lecce welcome bottom side Reggina, while Cagliari and guests Chievo look to steer clear of the lower reaches that also threaten Sampdoria and Bologna when they face off in Genoa.