Former Juventus player Gianluca Pessotto is in serious condition after falling from a window at the club's headquarters.

Pessotto, who took up the post of Juventus's sports director at the end of last season after 11 years with the team, was taken to hospital in Turin, according to the Juventus press office.

The defender, who made 22 appearances for Italy, suffered multiple fractures but his life was not in danger, a spokesman said.

Pessotto was found clutching a rosary having fallen some 15 metres, police sources said. They said it was unclear what had happened.

Juventus are at the centre of a match-fixing scandal that has rocked Italian soccer.

Pessotto, who took up the post of team manager at the end of last season after 11 years with the team, is not among those facing charges at a sports tribunal due to start on Thursday.

The scandal began last month with the publication of intecepted telephone conversations between former Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi and Italian Football Federation officials discussing refereeing appointments.

Italy captain and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro walked out of a news conference at the Azzurri's World Cup training camp when he heard the news of Pessotto's fall.

The news will undoubtedly add to the turmoil in the Italian camp after their last minute win over Australia last night and the confirmation that 13 of their squad will face charges in the investigation into match-fixing in Serie A.

Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio, as well as 26 individuals including eight referees and two linesmen, have been ordered to appear before a tribunal, starting on June 29th.

Top football teams, officials and referees charged in Italy's match-fixing scandal have declared their innocence ahead of a sports trial that may lead to the relegation of champions Juve.