Juventus' defence crumbles in stunning loss to Genoa

Milan - Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci's suffered an apparent hamstring injury as the reigning Serie A champion suffered a stunning first-half collapse against Genoa, conceding three goals in the opening 29 minutes.

Genoa would go on to claim a 3-1 win.

Bonucci, 29, was forced off just after the half-hour and replaced by Daniele Rugani as the five-time consecutive Italian champion was rocked at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

Juve was without a number of key players including forwards Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca, and with unfit Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain on the bench coach Massimiliano Allegri was forced to play attacking midfielder Juan Cuadrado up front alongside Mario Mandzukic.

However, Genoa started aggressively and was 2-0 up by the 13th minute thanks to a fine Giovanni Simeone double.

Juve conceded a third goal just before the half-hour when Brazilian wing-back Alex Sandro booted Luca Rigoni's effort into the roof of the net as he tried in vain to clear off the line.

Miralem Pjanic scored a late free-kick to spoil the home side's clean sheet, the goal coming after Dani Alves was forced out of the contest when he took a heavy kick to the back of the left leg.

On Saturday, AC Milan secured a 4-1 win over Empoli to reinforce second spot and sit just four points off the lead.