Cannavaro questions Juve's European credentials after Pogba exit

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Cannavaro questions Juve's European credentials after Pogba exit

The France international has departed the Italian club for Manchester United for a world-record fee and the former defender believes his absence will prove too much to overcome

Fabio Cannavaro has endorsed the capture of Gonzalo Higuain but he believes it will be difficult for Juventus to win the Champions League without Paul Pogba.

Juve spent big to recruit Higuain, last season's top scorer in Serie A, from Napoli as a replacement for striker Alvaro Morata, who was re-signed by Real Madrid.

But the departure of France international Pogba to Manchester United for a world-record fee has left a sizeable void in midfield that Cannavaro doubts Massimiliano Allegri will be able to fill.

"Juve certainly reinforced themselves - they have a deep, complete squad and I think Higuain is stronger than Morata, but winning the Champions League is incredibly tough," ex-Bianconeri defender Cannavaro was quoted byGazzetta dello Sport.

"Juve have acquired the habit of winning in Italy, but in Europe things are different and it's no easy task to replace Pogba."

"He guaranteed not just goals and technique but also a physicality that [Miralem] Pjanic doesn't have," Cannavaro added, referring to the arrival of the Bosnia-Herzegovina international from Roma.

"As well as the strength of Higuain, I like the drive and personality provided by Dani Alves on the wing.

But the team must be evaluated according to the new balance that Allegri will manage to develop.

It'll take a bit of time."

Juve will face Sevilla, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb in this season's group stage.