Former Juventus centre-back Fabio Cannavaro has pinpointed Andrea Pirlo as the fulcrum of head coach Antonio Conte's team.

Cannavaro, a World Cup winner alongside Pirlo in 2006, has hailed his old international team-mate and questioned the wisdom of AC Milan's decision to let him leave on a free transfer during the summer.

"Pirlo is providing an added value for Juventus, but has also left a huge gap at Milan," Cannavaro was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

The retired Italy international then voiced his opinion that Napoli may prove to be Juventus' biggest rivals for the title this season.

"When you beat Inter you have nothing to prove. Napoli have impressed me with the personality with which they play. I am convinced that will tell for them until the end [of the season]."

Juventus will hope that Pirlo returns to Turin fit and fresh to resume the Serie A season following his involvement in Italy's final two European 2012 qualifiers against Serbia and Northern Ireland.