Former Juventus centre-back Fabio Cannavaro has urged the club to stick with Andrea Pirlo, despite a disappointing start to his managerial career in Turin.

Juve currently sit fourth in the Serie A table and it is looking likely that they will not retain the league title for the first time in nine years.

Pirlo made 164 appearances for the Old Lady and took up the managerial role last summer, but has failed to enhance his legacy so far as the team has also been knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16.

Despite a poor season in charge, Pirlo's former teammate Cannavaro has backed the 41-year-old to succeed as manager of Juve, given he gets time from Andrea Agnelli to gain experience.

Cannavaro told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "When Juve picked Andrea, he knew very well that he had no experience.

"It's logical that he should have time to mature, even for his relationship with the team. There are still 30 points to play for and it's right to leave this judgment pending. And he did good things, launching young players and managed a complicated dressing room with people who won a lot.

"Sure, some things don't work, he has made mistakes: he's human. It's a heritage that must be protected. After all, if Juve don't confirm his position, what did they choose him to do last summer?

"They would be wrong twice if they take that decision now. And the blame can't only be his if the players make mistakes on and off the pitch."

Juventus play Napoli in a pivotal game in Serie A on Wednesday, with Juve needing a win to stay fourth and ahead of their visitors.