After the heroics of the real 'derby d’ Italia', Juve have drawn three points clear of Milan and Napoli and are six points behind league leaders Inter. Given that the old lady has been without the likes of Buffon, Trezeguet and Zanetti for the best part of the season, combined with the early slip-up's against Palermo and Napoli, I think the team has progressed pretty well for the first part of the season.

Ranieri hasn't got it in him to stop his tinkering, but in spite of all this, we seem to have developed into a strong and resolute side that substitutes creativity with grit and determination. What Juve have often lacked in seasons past, is the ability to put the smaller teams to the sword and secure a result. Defeating Real Madrid over two legs is all well and good, but when we are struggling to beat Catania at home, then something needs to change.

Thankfully all that seems to behind us for the moment, and we can look forward to a place in the last 16 of the Champions League and Christmas in second spot in the league (provided we can overcome Atalanta this weekend).

Along with the consistency of Alex Del Piero, we have newcomer Amauri who has been our saviour in so many of this seasons encounters. Mellberg and Poulsen, this seasons other newcomers, have yet to prove their worth in my humble opinion. Perhaps the most encouraging sight in recent weeks has been the gradual inclusion of Claudio Marchisio - a midfielder who looks like a huge prospect for the coming years -  He shows composure and authority in possession that seems to belie his youth and inexperience at the highest level. Along with him, rising through the ranks is Paulo De Ceglie, the man who set up Amauri's goal against Milan just minutes after they had drawn level. Thank God Juve have seen sense and extended his contract and tied him down until 2013. He could well be an heir to the departing Pavel Nedved,  provided he gets time this season to fill in for the Bionic one.

Perhaps the only disappointing aspect of the teams progression thus far, has been the lack of a place for Sebastian Giovinco. This lad is the natural successor to I Capitano when he calls it a day, and at this rate, he will start to get itchy feet whilst sat on the bench, week in week out.

So, in the face of all the early worries we faced as supporters, we seem to have plenty to look forward to, not least the CL draw which takes place at 12.00 today. All that remains is to ease back our injured players into the first team, and we will finally have a squad that can battle on two fronts.

Apologies for rambling, but I’d love to hear the thoughts of other Juventini on how we are progressing - Can we still challenge for the title ? Is a CL final in Rome too big an ask ?Will Tiago finally come good ?