Two points clear at the top in early February when they had played a game less than their rivals, Juve have dropped two points behind leaders AC Milan and used up their match in hand when they drew 1-1 at Bologna on Wednesday.
Juventus will have to field a makeshift defence when they visit Genoa on Sunday with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli out of action through injury and Leonardo Bonucci suspended after his red card at Bologna.
Coach Antonio Conte, also dismissed in the second half of Wednesday's fiery encounter, now has to find another partner for Martin Caceres, who himself was playing in the centre defence for the first time this season on Wednesday.
Juventus' biggest problems remain in attack where, despite his fourth goal of the season on Wednesday, the individualistic Mirko Vucinic has fallen well short of expectations since his 15 million euro move from AS Roma.
"We are on the right track and must continue like this," he said. "Borriello is a player with strong physique who helps us to hold the ball up and open up space in attack.
"We've been playing continually recently, so some squad rotation is necessary."
"I don't think we are dropping off the pace. I don't think it's right to talk about Juve losing momentum. We proved [against Bologna] we can count on great men. If there was a slowing down, then it was only in terms of results.
Edoardo Reja's team host Bologna on Sunday as they attempt to close the gap on the leading pair and hold on to the Champions League qualifying spot.
France coach Laurent Blanc and former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boast have linked with Ranieri's job in media repo
