Kwadwo Asamoah admits Juventus are already facing key games in their title defence following their poor start to the 2015/16 Serie A season.

The Ghana international could make his return to the starting lineup for the Bianconeri in the Derby d’Italia against Inter after the international break.

Asamoah’s return will provide the reigning champions with a vital midfield option as they seek to push up the table following an indifferent introduction to their Serie A campaign

And the 26-year-old says he is confident he and his teammates have what it takes to make up ground on the division’s early front-runners, starting with next Sunday’s mouthwatering encounter against Inter at the San Siro.

“The Inter game next week will be massive for us. We want to hit the ground running after the break and pick up where we left off against Sevilla and Bologna,” Asamoah said.

“After a difficult start we’re back to winning ways again. Winning is crucial for us. Beginning a season slowly is something that can happen, but we must remain positive and aware that we can always do better.

Asamoah made his return in the Italian Serie A for Juventus against Bologna after staying out of football action for almost the entire of last season and the beginning of the current season.

He took part in training at Vinovo on Friday, and it appears he has overcome his injury woes.

Asamoah will be available for coach Massimiliano Allegri after the international break when the Bianconeri travel to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 18 to take on Inter and is expected to start alongside Sami Khedira in midfield.