Alessio Tacchinardi feels that Juventus needed a 12th man against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday but were let down by the club's supporters.
The reigning Serie A champions struggled to a 1-1 draw with the Ukraine side in their Champions League clash in Turin, in front of a crowd of less than 30,000 at the 41,000-capacity Juventus Stadium.
And former Italy international Tacchinardi has emphasised the importance of home support to Antonio Conte's charges.
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"Fans at the Delle Alpi were not the team’s 12th man, but they are at Juventus Stadium," he told Tuttosport.
"That's why the other night against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Bianconeri clearly paid the price for the lack of encouragement.
"You instantly saw that the side were tired but, if the usual support was there from the previous games, then the players would have found some extra energy.
"Even during the warm-up at Juventus Stadium, the fans prepare you for the game. Without support it becomes difficult."
Some supporters had chosen to boycott the match due to ticket prices, while others reportedly opted to watch in silence in protest at the club's legislation against the use of flags and banners within the stands.
