Former Juventus defender Lilian Thuram has claimed that the Serie A champions' dominance in the league is hurting their chances in European competitions.

The Frenchman believes that Juve's lack of competition in Italy is punishing the team, despite the fact that the Turin-based club are still in the last 16 of the Champions League.

"It is a matter of time in Serie A, but the Champions League is more difficult and there are some great teams to beat," Thuram said, according to Goal.com.

"There is a big difference between the Italian championship and the Spanish and English leagues, and I hope that Juve can do well in Europe.

"But without true rivals domestically, Juve are penalised in Europe."

Juventus, who face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League, are currently leading the league by seven points.