Second-place Juventus, who play Udinese on Sunday and trail leaders Inter Milan by five points, have adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Ciro Ferrara that seeks to make the most out of new signing Diego's playmaking talents.
That system, however, leaves no room for Del Piero's favoured role, that of second striker. The captain, who has been hampered by back and thigh injuries, may have to play on the wing if he wants a slice of the action.
"People want all the phenomenal players on the pitch together but Ferrara has to think about the team's balance," Deschamps told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"My answer is that you cannot have both Del Piero and (Italy winger Mauro) Camoranesi playing behind a lone striker - one or the other. It's complicated because knowing Del Piero I'm not sure how he'll take certain decisions."
Juve's all-time top scorer, however, said he was prepared to play any role as he seeks to get regular playing time and show the form needed to win back his Italy place before next year's World Cup finals.
"I'm ready for Sunday, my championship can finally start," he told reporters this week. "My characteristics are those of a striker but I'm totally willing to do anything."
Udinese will be without suspended Italy striker Antonio Di Natale, who is Serie A's top scorer with nine goals.
