Juventus's injury woes deepened on Sunday when key defender Andrea Barzagli was carried off on a stretcher with a suspected arm injury after just four minutes of play at Chievo.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was already without defender Giorgio Chiellini for the trip and dropped Leonardo Bonucci to the bench after he suffered a thigh injury in a midweek Champions League draw with Lyon.

But Bonucci was forced into action to replace Barzagli after the Juve veteran, nicknamed 'The Wall', fell awkwardly on his arm in an early challenge.

He was carried off on a stretcher with his left arm immobilised, suggesting a possible fracture.

Juventus, bidding for a record sixth consecutive Serie A title, hold a four-point lead over title rivals Roma ahead of their home game with Bologna later Sunday.