Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has no doubts about the potential of teammate Matthijs de Ligt.

The former Ajax captain has had an inconsistent start to his Serie A career.

But Bonucci told La Stampa: "We've all been there, I told him to stay calm. He's the future of defenders."

On adjusting to coach Maurizio Sarri's methods, he added: "The changes most affect the defenders.

"It'll take time. We've conceded avoidable goals."