Many of Del Piero's former teammates have likened him to the Juve midfielder.
But Del Piero told Il Corriere della Sera: "I've always avoided comparisons. He's growing and, game after game, he's demonstrating that he knows how to take responsibility even in important matches.
"He's certainly improved a lot and you can see that he's committed, trying to take inspiration even from his more experienced teammates. Just like I did when I was a boy. The truth is that he has to carve out his own unique path.
"He has to carve out his own space in the world."
On coach Luciano Spalletti's influence on Yildiz, Del Piero added: "The foundations were already there, then he made a clear change. He brought a certain attitude, and above all, he created a sense of identity within the group."