Former Milan great Dejan Savicevic has defended under-fire Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic from mounting criticism.

The summer signing from Roma is finding life tough in Turin right now and was jeered by disgruntled fans for his performance in the 1-1 draw with Chievo on Saturday.

“Mirko is not playing how he can,” Savicevic, the President of the Montenegrin Football Federation, told TMW on Tuesday.

“He’s having trouble with his knee and he’s not performing at his best. The player spent 45 minutes on the bench for the Montenegro friendly because of the same issue.”

Vucinic cost the Old Lady €15m and he’s contributed just three goals in 20 Serie A games so far this season.

“He’s a great player, but the Juventus fans don’t forgive,” continued the ex-fantasista, who also questioned Vucinic’s tactical use by boss Antonio Conte.

“If he is always required to defend, to become a full-back, then he loses his freshness in attack,” Savicevic argued.

“He needs to be allowed to play with more freedom and that is when he would give more – there is no doubt about that.

“I think this is just a difficult moment for him and he’ll just need a goal to get over it.”

Vucinic started the season as a centre-forward, but has been used wide-left in a 4-3-3 formation on numerous occasions.