Former Juventus midfielder Simone Pepe has praised coach Massimiliano Allegri for turning the club's fortunes around after their difficult start to the season.
Juve made the joint worst start to a season in their history after losing stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Kingsley Coman in the summer.
However, three wins in a row in Serie A and Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City have lifted the mood.
Juve are still nine points behind leaders Inter Milan, but are now sixth and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare.
Pepe said: "There have been big changes at Juventus, but they have rediscovered the right rhythm now and this is to Allegri's merit," he told Sky Sport Italia.
"I've heard a lot of criticism of the coach for the way he's managed [Paulo] Dybala, but I remember how well he managed [Alvaro] Morata last year and how he then became fundamental in the second half of the season.
"Dybala's going to become a great player, but he needs to be given time to mature without any pressure."
Pepe, who was released in the summer, said he was happy with life at his new club Chievo.
"I've got another three or four years in which I want to continue enjoying my football," he said. "My injury's behind me now, and I'm just looking ahead."