Juventus legend Alessandro del Piero believes that his former club are in "pole position" to retain their Serie A title this season.
The Old Lady have won back-to-back Scudettos and are looking to make it three in a row this upcoming campaign, with their chances being strengthened by the signings of strikers Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente as well as defender Angelo Ogbonna.
Despite their poor form in pre-season, Del Piero is confident that Juve have what it takes to make it a trio of league crowns.
"Juve are in pole position, because the defending champion always has the advantage of starting in front," he told Sky Sports News.
"The friendly defeats shouldn't worry them: you face teams who are further in their preparations, or who are competing in their league. Then there is the travelling.
"Juventus have great potential, and their new signings will not take long to express themselves at that level."
Del Piero spent 19 years at Juventus before moving to Sydney FC in 2012.