Former Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has backed the Serie A champions to defend their title this season.

Massimiliano Allegri enjoyed success in his first year in charge of Juventus as they eased to a fourth successive title before losing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, and Cannavaro believes they remain the best team in Italy despite losing key players this summer.

"Juventus remain the team to beat. Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal have all gone, but they brought in young players who are already at a high level," he told reporters.

"Their opponents will be Inter, as Roberto Mancini's project seems valid. Then there's Roma, who have a solid squad."

Juventus finished 17 points clear of their nearest rivals, Roma, last season.