Goals from Fabio Guaqliarella and Antonio Di Natale secured Udinese’s first win over Juventus since 1995 and the team’s first league win since October.

The loss increased the gap between the Old Lady and league leaders Inter to six points, after the latter overcame Catania 2-0.

"It will be tough to win the league, but we will try to get closer and soon enough can count on the return of many important players," Ranieri said after the game.

Difficult encounter

The former Chelsea tactician refused to blame his players for the defeat, as he insisted it’s never easy to beat Udinese at the Stadio Friulli.

"Once they took the lead, they proved impeccable both in defence and on the counter-attack.

"We gave them a helping hand by passing the ball around too slowly and not finding space on the flanks.

"Mind you, I cannot expect my lads to always play at such a high level in every single match," concluded the 57-year-old.

Ranieri might find a resort in the return of French striker David Trezeguet, who featured for the first time in five months following a knee surgery at the start of the season.