Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci's recent injury woes continued Sunday as the Serie A champions suffered a stunning first-half collapse to trail Genoa 3-0 at half-time.

Bonucci, a reported target for Chelsea -- where former Juve coach Antonio Conte is in charge -- has been in and out of the Juve clinic this season.

The 29-year-old was forced off just after the half-hour and replaced by Daniele Rugani as the five-time consecutive Italian champions were rocked at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

Juve were 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 were 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 goalline.

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