Sebastian Giovinco has admitted that Andrea Pirlo is an irreplaceable component of a strong Juventus midfield.

Pirlo has helped Juve to make a superb start to their Serie A title defence with a string of assured performances.

Giovinco has also enjoyed a prolonged run in Antonio Conte's side after returning from a loan spell at Parma during the summer.

The diminutive forward revealed that he has learnt a great deal from Pirlo since coming back to Turin in the close season.

He told Champions magazine: "Pirlo is a fundamental player to this team because he has won the most titles in Italy and in Europe.

"We listen to him and learn. One of his qualities is the calmness with which he plays. He transmits that to the players and that is very important.

"We have one of the best midfielder players in all of Europe."

Juve continue their return to Champions League action in midweek with an away tie against Nordsjaelland.