Juventus have performed admirably so far in their return to Serie A. The 27-time champions still haven’t beaten one of their rivals for the title, though.

The “Old Lady” of Italian soccer will get another chance today against AC Milan.

“We’re strong and we know it, but now we’ve got to win a direct encounter,” said Juventus striker David Trezeguet, who leads the league with 11 goals. “We’ve got to play with humility, although with the knowledge that we are not inferior to anyone.”

After a year of exile in the second division for its role in the Italian match-fixing scandal, Juve are tied for second-place in Serie A.

Juventus drew 1-1 with Inter earlier this month and drew with Roma 2-2 in September.

Last weekend, Juventus routed Palermo 5-0.

“Now we’ve got to repeat that against Milan. We’re going to the San Siro to win,” Trezeguet said.

With only 17 points, Milan are struggling in ninth place in the league. A 1-1 draw with Benfica on Wednesday put Milan through to the next round of the Champions League.

“Now we’ve got to concentrate on Juventus. Today we have a chance to get on the board at home,” Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

Milan is still seeking its first home win of the Serie A season, with four draws and two defeats at the San Siro so far.

The Juventus game comes in the middle of a rough stretch for Milan, who face Celtic on Tuesday with first place in their Champions League group on the line. The European champions then fly to Japan for the Club World Cup.

Juventus have only Serie A to focus on this season.

“We could struggle physically against Juve,” Ancelotti said.

Milan forward Ronaldo aggravated a left calf injury while warming up for the Benfica game, although Ancelotti said he would be ready Saturday.

No Juventus fans will be allowed to attend the game under new anti-violence measures.

Tomorrow Inter visit Fiorentina, who are fifth with 24 points.

Roma host Udinese, who have been steadily climbing the standings.

With Roma captain Francesco Totti still out, Mirko Vucinic scored twice in a 4-1 win over Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday that sent the Giallorossi to the next phase of the Champions League.

Catania host Palermo for the first time since a policeman was killed in riots following the game last season. The match will mark the return of Francesco Guidolin as Palermo’s coach for the fourth time. Stefano Colantuono was fired on Monday following the thrashing by Juventus.

Alberto Malesani will make his debut as Empoli’s coach against Parma, after Luigi Cagni was fired on Tuesday.

The weekend opens with Sampdoria against Reggina today before the Milan-Juve game.