Italy international Pessotto played for Juventus for 11 years

The former Italy international suffered multiple fractures after a fall from a window at Juve's headquarters.

Hospital director Ottavio Davini said: "We're optimistic, but for traumas like these the next 72 hours are critical."

The 35-year-old general manager is not implicated in the Italian match-fixing scandal for which Juventus must appear in front of a sports tribunal.

Doctors have put Pessotto into a pharmalogical coma and he has been given several blood transfusions following blood loss due to internal bleeding.

Doctor Marco Repellino said: "We have worked on the haemorrhage, which was the main issue.

"Once that is corrected, the examinations will start to ascertain any damage to the spinal column."

Police investigate the fall at the Juventus club offices in Turin

He added that Pessotto was able to move his legs upon arrival in the hospital.

Meanwhile, Pessotto's wife confirmed her husband had been suffering from depression.

The former Italy international took over as general manager in May and Mrs Reana Pessotto said: "He did not feel capable of being in the role."

His appointment came as Juve's entire board resigned ahead of the match-fixing investigations.

She added: "He kept telling me that there was too much difference between being on the field and behind a desk."

A Turin hospital official speaking on Sky Italia television said police were investigating a suicide attempt.

Pessotto spent 11 years with Juve as a player, during which time he won 22 caps for Italy.