Juventus have confirmed the signing of Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro on a free transfer from Real Madrid.

The veteran defender has penned a one-year deal with the Bianconeri, who yesterday sacked coach Claudio Ranieri and put Ciro Ferrara, a former team-mate of Cannavaro at both Juventus and Napoli, in charge until the end of the season.

Cannavaro, 35, who underwent a medical at Juventus at the start of May, is returning to the club three years after leaving for the Bernabeu.

"I am happy to return to Turin and to have the opportunity to again wear the Bianconeri colours," said Cannavaro.

The return of Cannavaro has not been welcomed by a section of Juve fans, who were angry that the defender left for Madrid when the club was demoted to the second division for match fixing in 2006.

Cannavaro, though, is confident he will earn that trust back.

"I am certain that I can convince those sceptics through the hard work, professionalism and passion with which I will begin this new adventure," he added.