'Snow and Udinese were not enough to put the brakes on this flying Juve side. Now Milan must try to keep pace with the Old Lady, as she continues her charge and gathers momentum'

Taken from Sunday's edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the quote above seemingly echoes the general consensus that the Scudetto race is rapidly becoming a two-sided affair. Having now broken free of Saturday night's opponents, opening up a six-point gap over third-placed Udinese, the Bianconeri's next task appears to be plotting an escape from the tireless hunt of Massimiliano Allegri's side.

January 2010, four points collected from a possible fifteen. January 2011, four points collected from a possible fifteen. January 2012, four points collected from a possible six. By this point, the reoccurring theme becomes apparent. With three games remaining this month, the Bianconeri will attempt to achieve something they have failed to do in the past two years, obtain more than four points in January. Following a disappointing home draw with Cagliari, coupled with an equally disappointing second-half performance, do Antonio Conte’s men risk coming close to repeating history?

An unbeaten start to the season stretching into the new year, the only side across the five major European leagues to achieve such a feat, coupled with the 'restoration of credibility' that Antonio Conte has long desired since his arrival last summer, all appears to be well in Turin. Enter the January transfer window. Rumours circulate, signings are made and Felipe Melo makes his feelings clear on his future. Clubs pay extortionate prices to land their desired targets, or if you’re Adriano Galliani you pull off yet another ‘Deal of the Century’. It’s all part and parcel of the January transfer window.