Lazio coach Davide Ballardini knows his side face a severe examination when they face fellow table-toppers Juventus.

The Rome based club host Juventus in a top of the table clash this weekend at the Stadio Olimpico, with both sides boasting a 100% record after the first two rounds of the campaign.

The Bianconeri look the pick of the bunch so far having shown their class in the 3-1 away victory against Roma last time out - a victory inspired by star recruit Diego who capped a fine individual performance by scoring a brace.

And Ballardini is well aware of the threat posed by Diego and his team-mates.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport he said "Diego? We are clear about how we are going to play him, and we know exactly how we are going to defend against him.

"Reducing our discussion to just one of their players though would be criminal, as they have a number of potential match winners in their team.

"We must be cautious and compact throughout the game, and we will have to play with a great amount of intensity and speed, to try and enhance our quality."

Despite coming so early in the season the highly anticipated encounter will be a test of both team's title credentials - as they look to provide a genuine challenge to seriel winners Inter Milan.