Saturday night, Juventus were relegated to Serie B and handed a massive 30-point deduction for their part in the match-fixing scandal.

"It's hard to reach the Serie A in just one year," Deschamps was quoted as saying by Italian media on Sunday.

"With a 30 point penalty it's almost impossible," the Frenchman said.

However, the former Juve midfielder, who replaced Fabio Capello, insisted the team will work hard to retain their top-flight status.

When the verdict demoted Juventus to Serie B few were surprised, however the huge point deduction upset many within the club and made it likely that the Bianconeri will spend the next two seasons in the wilderness.

"It may take two seasons, but from now on we need to be at our best and see what happens,” said Deschamps. "We have a duty to try."

Juventus, who were also stripped of their last-two Scudetto titles, will appeal the verdict.

Several of Juve's star players are expected to leave the team, but Deschamps remains hopeful, especially since skipper Alessandro Del Piero has said he will remain at the Stadio Delle Alpi.

"A few days ago I spoke to Alex and he said that he would stay," confirmed the former Monaco boss.

"He loves this club, he's a talisman and an inspiration to the other players for this campaign.

Juventus new president Giovanni Cobolli Gilliinsisted that the club is determined to take advantage of their star players whether they decide to stay or not.

"I hope that some of our important players will stay," he said.

"Obviously lots of them will find it hard to stay with us in Serie B with 30 points deducted, but the clubs that are interested will have to pay full rate."