Alessandro Del Piero



D.O.B: 09/11/1974 in Conegliano (TV), Italy
Position: Forward
Squad number: 10
Nationality: Italian
Height: 1.73m (5'8")
Weight: 73kg
Nickname(s): Pinturicchio, Alex, Ale, Godot

Serie A debut Foggia 1-1 JUVENTUS, 12/9/93

International debut ITALY 4-1 Estonia, 25/3/95

1991-92 Padova B 4 -
1992-93 Padova B 10 1
1993-94 Juventus A 11 5
1994-95 Juventus A 29 8
1995-96 Juventus A 29 6
1996-97 Juventus A 22 8
1997-98 Juventus A 32 21
1998-99 Juventus A 8 2
1999-00 Juventus A 34 9
2000-01 Juventus A 25 9
2001-02 Juventus A 32 16
2002-03 Juventus A 24 16
2003-04 Juventus A 22 8
2004-05 Juventus A 30 14
2005-06 Juventus A 33 12
2006-07 Juventus B 35 20
2007-08 Juventus A 37 21
2008-09 Juventus A 31 13
2009-10 Juventus A 24 9
2010-11 Juventus A 33 8
2011-12 Juventus A

Honours

7 Scudetti (1994-95, 1996-97, 1997-98, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05 revoked, 2005-06 revoked)
1 Champions League (1996)
1 Intercontinental Cup (1996)
1 European Supercup (1996)
1 Coppa Italia (1994-95)
4 SuperCoppa Italiana (1995, 1997, 2002, 2003)
1 Cadetti (2006-07)
1 World Cup (2006)

Alessandro Del Piero was born on November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto, near Treviso. He has a brother, Stefano, who is nine years his senior and used to be a footballer himself; he now works as Alessandro's agent.
Mother Bruna and father Gino, an electrician, have always been very much a part of Alex's life. He is happily married with Sonia, and the couple now have a son named Tobias.

In his free time he listens to a lot of music, both international and Italian, but he's particularly fond of U2, Foo Fighters and Oasis, as Noel Gallagher is a friend of his.

He loves good-quality cinema. Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino are among his favourite actors.

Alessandro likes reading a lot, but he doesn't have a favourite genre: he reads everything from thrillers to the great classics of Italian literature, and sometimes a good contemporary novel.

He varies his look a lot. He loves both comfortable, sporty clothes, ideal to travel to and from training, or to play golf - a sport he's grown to love by now -, as well as classic and elegant attire. He also owns a clothing line called Cashus.

Alessandro loves sport in all its expressions. Apart from football, he follows NBA basketball, he plays tennis and in the last few years he has picked up golf, which he plays regularly, as he's very much into it and he finds it relaxing.

He's a good friend of Steve Nash, the Canadian basketball player whom he considers one of his idols.
He began playing at 8 years of age in the San Vendemmiano team, and then moved to Padova at 13. He's been a Juventus fan since childhood.

It's very difficult for him to identify his happiest memory at Juventus: the Intercontinental Cup, the Champions League, the many League titles won, all are connected with different and always new feelings and emotions.
In the National team, he reached his peak winning the World Cup in Germany.

He dreams of happiness and peace for his family, to whom he's very close and for whom he'd do just about anything.

Juventus stopper Nicola Legrottaglie has hailed Alessandro Del Piero as the main man behind the Old Lady’s superb season.

The Bianconeri can legitimately set their sights on second place after pulling within a single point of Roma after defeating the Giallorossi last weekend.

Del Piero was the difference between the two sides in Turin and former Chievo man Legrottaglie believes that Juve’s captain is an inspirational force.

“He is an example for us,” Legrottaglie explained. “He’s an exceptional man on and off the pitch.

“I arrived here five years ago and I had a certain impression of him, but now I am seeing the man that I admired many years ago.”

Legrottaglie is enjoying a renaissance in Turin and it is now easy to forget that he was close to leaving Juve in the summer.

“I came into this season after three tough years of injuries, mistrust and misunderstandings,” he recalled.

“The nice thing now is that I’m playing at the level that allowed me to reach the national team and I am a regular for Juve.

“As a team we are going for second place, but we must keep looking over our shoulders. There’s a big difference between finishing second and third – a different training camp, longer holidays and bigger ambitions.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb20j.html

Alessandro Del Piero has made a Euro 2008 selection plea to Roberto Donadoni and analysed Italian chances in the Champions League.

The Juventus captain is by no means guaranteed to travel to Austria and Switzerland this summer after being left out of Italy’s recent squad to play Portugal.

While a poll in the peninsula suggests that the Italian public would rather see Del Piero than Antonio Cassano in the squad, the final decision will be with Donadoni.

“Dear Roberto I ask you to think carefully about me,” Alex said on Sky Sport Italia.

“You have seen many times what I can do and if you need some good wine I can send it to you!”

Pinturricchio also passed comment on the Italian representatives in this term’s Champions League.

“I think that one of the three won’t make it through because these are games where anything can happen,” he stated.

“It depends on the atmosphere in the dressing rooms. They are all too tough to call, even Inter’s game, despite their first leg defeat could go either way.”

The Padova native concluded his interview by revealing which players in Europe at the moment impress him most.

“Today’s players are a bit different to me,” he maintained. “They are all so fast, physically strong and technically adept.

“Diego at Werder Bremen is very good, but so is Rafael Van Der Vaart and I would like to see him play in another League.

“I would love to have Karim Benzema’s guile as he is so sly and then cool in front of goal.

“Fernando Torres is very fast and can just take the ball and go so easily. However, at the moment I rate Emmanuel Adebayor higher as he is having a better season.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb22b.html

Alex on the charm offensive.

Alessandro Del Piero couldn’t be more motivated as Juventus host Napoli with the No 10 setting his sights on second place and an Azzurri shirt.

Pinturricchio has always been adamant that the Bianconeri would battle to the end to get the best possible finish in their first season back after a spell in Serie B.

After a tough time, which has seen three costly defeats, the Old Lady got back on track with a win over Genoa and Alex insists that they have the right attitude.

“We aren’t too contented or too relaxed,” he said. “This is the time when we need to accelerate, as achieving our objectives for this term is crucial for next season.

“Playing in the Champions League and playing in the UEFA Cup are two different things, not just for the club but also in terms of acclaim.

“But this isn’t the time to make calculations or look into the future. A month ago people were asking whether I would settle for second place, but I never settle for anything.

“In seven days we lost eight points out of nine, so we must take one step at time because every year is so different to the last.”

The last time the two sides met Napoli won 3-1, but they were helped by two poor penalty decisions from the referee.

“The away game against Napoli is a distant memory that we need to use as a source of motivation,” Del Piero maintained.

“We just need to think of this outing as three points up for grabs against a team on good form.”

As for his personal aims, Del Piero admits that selection for Euro 2008 is weighing on his mind.

“My objective is obviously getting picked, but it’s all to do with results on the pitch,” he explained.

“Some things depend on me, others don’t, but for now I just want to get the results for Juve and hope that I get the call.

“Donadoni isn’t a torturer – he just goes on what happens in games. It has been a great year so far and I hope to finish it even better.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar14l.html

Bravo, capitano!

During his low spell at Euro 2000 I thought that was it...... that he would never recover the form that gave him the name the Golden Boy. But in recent years he has been fantastic.

Legend as far as I am concerned.

GDS rating so far: 6.18

Alessandro Del Piero is closing in on the great Gaetano Scirea’s Juventus appearance record as he prepares to make outing 550 at Empoli.

Scirea is regarded as one of the greatest Italian players in history and he played a staggering 552 games for the Old Lady between 1974 and 1988.

Pinturricchio will move within two games of the defensive legend after tonight’s test in Tuscany and the achievement is clearly on his mind.

“It is important to remember Scirea because beyond the numbers and the victories he was the incarnation of a certain style, class, temperament and intelligence,” Alex explained on Sky Sport Italia.

“He was a better role model than anyone else - a point of reference for many people - and it’s right that he still is.

A member of the 1982 World Cup winner, Scirea was renowned for his sportsmanship and his name has been attached to various youth tournaments and fair play awards.

“As a little boy I used to watch the Juve strikers with special attention and what I remember of him was his calmness and his elegance,” Del Piero continued.

“He never seemed to be working hard. He was also a loyal man that everyone appreciated.”

Scirea tragically died in a car crash in 1989 while working as a Bianconeri scout in Poland, just a year after hanging his boots up.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar19a.html

No. Player………………………………………….. GP - Era............
01. Alessandro Del Piero……… 552 - 1993-present
01. Gaetano Scirea……………………… 552 - 1974-1988
03. Giuseppe Furino…………………… 528 - 1969-1984
04. Roberto Bettega…………………… 481 - 1971-1983
05. Dino Zoff…………………………………… 476 - 1972-1983
06. Giampiero Boniperti………… 460 - 1946-1961
07. Sandro Salvadore………………… 450 - 1963-1974
08. Franco Causio………………………… 447 - 1968 & 1971-1981
09. Antonio Cabrini…………………… 440 - 1977-1989
10. Antonello Cuccureddu……… 433 - 1970-1981

great player

my fav Italian player after Baggio

great player

my fav Italian player after Baggio

Players of the week:

Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)

On the evening that he was again rejected by Italy boss Roberto Donadoni, Alessandro Del Piero underlined his intention to be a part of Euro 2008. He may have wasted some good chances to score against Inter and been a little too egotistical at times, but an old face arguably marked a new era for the Bianconeri at San Siro on Saturday night.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_ita...708/spot30.html

Alessandro the Great

Alex Del Piero has broken Gaetano Scirea’s Juventus appearance record and Paul Watson hopes the media finally give him the praise he deserves



After the unexpected hiatus caused by the postponement of last weekend’s game against Parma, Alex finally chalked up Juve appearance 553 and he did so in style. The Old Lady fell in Palermo, but their inspirational captain could hardly have done more after firing a brace and coming a whisker away from a hat-trick when his free-kick struck the woodwork.

The ever-fickle Press in the peninsula have been quick to write Alex off as past it, but despite their best efforts to exaggerate his off days this term, Del Piero remains inspirational.

The gifted hitman is no stranger to honours, but becoming the Bianconeri’s all-time appearance leader irrevocably cements his place in calcio’s Hall of Fame. However hard they try, the media can’t question this achievement. Del Piero’s name has become synonymous with Italian football and his legacy is assured.

For my generation it is hard to imagine a Juventus without Del Piero. After 15 years in the Bianconeri jersey, the Padova youth product embodies the indomitable spirit of the Old Lady. With the game full of prima donnas and flashes in the pan, Del Piero stands out as a man with a powerful love of the game and his club.

While it would be easy to list a catalogue of Alex’s glorious moments, the true measure of the man surfaced after the Calciopoli scandal. Faced with the prospect of Serie B football, many stars would have baulked. Instead, Del Piero stepped up and topped the Capocannoniere chart.

Granted, his career may be winding down, but a recent poll revealed that the majority of Italians want to see Del Piero in the Azzurri shirt at Euro 2008. Glory in Austria and Switzerland would be a fitting international swansong for a great servant to the Italian game.

With it looking likely that Pavel Nedved will sign a new deal at 35, Alex could probably have a few seasons left in Turin if that’s what he wants. But given his reluctance to outstay his welcome, we may be witnessing the final chapter of the Del Piero story – and what an epic it was.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/blogs/pw8.html

I'd rather have Ale in charge of our transfer campaign than Secco, but hopefully they can get some quality in.

As for Ale, he'll go to the Euros and hopefully do us proud.

Without a doubt a Juventus Icon and champion, however, for Italy he never did anything untill he scored against Germany in 2006 and even then it was a consolation goal i think, but it made me very proud. I think he is on better form now though and if he gets a shot in the Euro he has more of a chance now than ever of doing what he is capable of for the national team this year IMO. One to watch out for at least if he comes on..

He really has the bit between his teeth, he could be a star in the Euros if used correctly, this could be his last chance to shine internationally.

I was quite upset he didn't get any minutes against Arsenal in the friendly. He was pretty much the only player I was looking forward to seeing.

Del Piero: What a moment!



Alessandro Del Piero admits “I could not be happier” after two goals put the Bernabeu at his feet.

“We won, played a great game, I scored two goals. Really, how can you get better than that?” grinned the Juventus captain.

He secured the 2-0 victory away to Real Madrid that mathematically qualifies Juve for the knockout phase of the Champions League.

“You live off nights like this and the unique emotion. I am happy the crowd gave me a standing ovation when I left the field.

“It was so great to score and this is a fantastic stadium, so it was a very important match for us. I must admit this is a positive time for me.”

Del Piero has scored four goals in as many Champions League games and three of them were against Real Madrid.

His low drive and free kick earned him a standing ovation at the Bernabeu when substituted in stoppages.

“It is the ultimate feeling in football. To score two goals and win in such a big game, then to be applauded by the opposing fans is a sign of recognition that goes beyond rivalry. It was wonderful.

“I learned from the best with free kicks and always studied, trained hard to get better at this skill.”

Iker Casillas did not set out the defensive wall very well and the Spaniard was left rooted to the spot by his free kick.

“I asked [Christian] Molinaro to extend the wall and decrease the vision the goalkeeper had. I aimed it at the near post and thankfully Casillas stayed there.”

Alex is in incredible form right now despite the fact he turns 34 on Sunday, so what is behind this remarkable consistency?

“My family keeps me grounded and happy, my teammates put their faith in me and physically I am fit. This is a moment when everything is going well. The desire to always improve and work hard is essential, too.

“Fatherhood has helped me and really revitalised my life, plus having confidence is crucial. If you are able to train regularly and focus on objectives to keep getting better, then you always feel fresh.”

Juve are in the knockout round of the Champions League, but this time two years ago were battling in Serie B after the Calciopoli scandal.

“I will never forget playing in Serie B, nor do I wish to. I experienced it wholeheartedly with a smile on my face, as I chose that path and knew we would get back into Serie A and the Champions League. I don't feel as if this is the end of an era, but rather it keeps going.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/nov5z.html

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His legendary story continues

does he have a right to be this good at this stage?

I think so, we were robbed of him in his prime, now he is nearly as good as he has ever been. Certainly he is better in several departments. Incidentally he seemed to let Iaquinta take the penalty as he wants his 250th Juve goal to be more than a penalty.

Forgot to say, happy 34th Birthday to Ale as well.

Blog: Del Piero, 250 not out

Alessandro Del Piero scored his 250th goal in a Juventus shirt, so Susy Campanale salutes a true living legend



It probably says something about my age and the amount of time I’ve been watching Serie A that I remember seeing Alex Del Piero’s first goal. Oddly enough, that too was in a 4-0 victory over the similarly-named Reggiana (they were from Emilia Romagna and very different to Calabria’s Reggina, who were thrashed by that same scoreline for his 250th strike).

I recall thinking, ‘This kid’s pretty good,’ as the short, skinny 19-year-old burst into the same team as Roberto Baggio, Gianluca Vialli and Fabrizio Ravanelli. 15 years and two months later, he’s still there with the same black and white shirt.

I jumped out of my seat and positively squealed when he scored possibly the greatest goal I have ever seen, that famous volley with the outside of his foot to complete Juve’s comeback from 2-0 down to beat Fiorentina 3-2. I smiled every time he curled that ball into the far top corner in a goal ‘alla Del Piero’ that looked for all the world as if it were remote controlled. I stayed up at some ungodly hour to watch as he won the Intercontinental Cup in Japan with the only goal of the game against River Plate.

I watched in horror as he went in for a pointless stoppage-time challenge and struck his left knee against an Udinese player’s hip, snapping the anterior and posterior ligaments. “Imagine the knee is your trousers, held up by a belt and braces. Well, I broke both of them,” he explained during that nine-month lay-off and agonisingly long road to rediscovering his form.

I stood in a bar in Italy defending this immense talent as patrons bayed for blood after another particularly shocking miss in Euro 2000. I was moved as he found his career path in the worst possible moment of his life, scoring a sensational goal against Bari just days after his father’s death. I saw him captain Juventus on their Serie B debut in sunny Rimini and earn a standing ovation from the Bernabeu.

And now here I am, proud to say I was watching when Del Piero shook the snow from his hair before confidently burying a penalty in a 4-0 victory over Reggina. You could not find a better example of a great player, a good man and an honourable representative of club colours. Congratulations, Alessandro. Here’s to the next 250.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_ita...blogs/sc47.html

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Well done Il Capitano, Mr Juventus

Del Piero: My 250 goals



Alessandro Del Piero looks back over his 250 goals in a Juventus jersey throughout 15 years. “I remember every single one.”

The penalty in their 4-0 win over Reggina at the weekend allowed the captain to celebrate another personal record with the club.

“It's 250,” wrote Del Piero on his official website. “I will never get used to these numbers. Every record is an exciting feeling, each time, just like every goal.

“What moves me is not the record (because, albeit important, I continue to consider it a stepping stone), but rather what is behind it: the journey that takes you to achieve certain results.”

He scored his opener for the Bianconeri on September 19, 1993 against Reggiana at the Stadio Delle Alpi in Turin.

“It's a lot for a striker, 250 goals (or is it 251?!). Even if they are not and should not be everything, because the team comes first of all. That is not a cliché, it is the only way you can win.”

Pinturicchio won back-to-back Capocannoniere titles in Serie B and Serie A. He took time to thank the Juventus fans who went through this record with him.

“I remember every single goal. I am attached to each one to the point where if I am asked to pick my favourite, I struggle because it makes me feel guilty about the others!

“I remember every celebration, every embrace. So with this 250th I wish to embrace everyone who celebrated alongside me, both on the field and thousands of kilometres away.

“Thank you above all to those who would have been by my side even if I had not reached 250, but instead stopped scoring after that first.

“I am happy you have enjoyed this time with me and I heard you all. But we must not stop here, because I am increasingly convinced that the greatest goal, like the most wonderful victory, is the one you have to fight for, the one that comes tomorrow.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/dec2o.html

Jay if you could name the 5 or even 10 most important goals Del Piero scored for Juventus what would you say they are.

Most important? Sheesh.

In no order;

1) His freekick v Monaco in the CL semi-final, 1997-98 season.

2) His freekick and general performance v Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this season, because it showed a global audience that he was still a world class player and as good as he has been.

3) His first goal v Reggiana on his Juventus debut as a substitute, in 1993.

4) His subsequent hattrick goal v Parma on his first starting performance against Parma shortly afterwards.

5) His flicked goal against Dortmund in the 1997 CL final, albeit in vain.

6) His then quickest goal in CL history at Old Trafford v Manchester Utd in 1997.

7) His wonderful goal and MOM performance against River Plate in the World Club Championship in 1996.

8) His winning goal against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup that sent Italy through.

9) His curling shot in extra time for Italy in the World Cup semi final against Germany in 2006 which effectively killed a game already heading in Italy's favour.

10) His winner against Sweden in the 2000 European Championships.

11) His first goal back from serious injury, a header past Buffon v Parma.

I know you said Juventus goals but what the hell, couldn't think of 10

Just downloaded a video of Del Piero's 250 goals off some Italian TV thing, wonderful video, betcha even JuveJay hasn't seen it that plastic fan

So basically these aren't the most important goals at all, but just the only ones Jay can remember

Just the ones off the top of my head, but I doubt he has scored any others more important.

Del Piero Sportsman of the Year



Alessandro Del Piero has been voted Italian Sports Personality of the Year and admits he hasn’t lost hope of winning the Ballon d’Or.

The Juventus captain topped the RAI poll with 58 per cent of the vote, crushing MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi’s total of 18 per cent.

“It is a wonderful recognition and I am pleased that the public, a huge part of this sport, gave me this title,” he told TG1.

“I am happy with what I have achieved this year, the way I am playing and what has happened around me.”

The Bianconeri star has already put two goals past Real Madrid this season and his next Champions League test is Chelsea.

“There are always going to be very strong sides at this stage of the competition, including outsiders who overcame the first phase finding quality and cohesion that allows them to fight it out with the bigger clubs. Everyone is dangerous.”

If Del Piero impresses again at Stamford Bridge, he could become a contender for the 2009 Ballon d’Or.

“It depends on how our Champions League campaign goes. Why not think big? You need to have ambition for the biggest trophies.

“I don’t feel old because I love my work and am happy to do well. While I manage to retain a certain level of quality, I can continue to play.

“Do I have a message for Marcello Lippi? Yes, Merry Christmas! The 2010 World Cup is an objective of mine and I feel a part of the Nazionale.”

The veteran has broken records in the Juventus history books and will always have a space in its pages, but he’s not sure if he wants to return to age 20.

“What I achieved was done with enthusiasm and results, but I am happy with the moment I am going through now and content with the age I am. Thankfully, I’ve never thought of quitting.”

What does the future hold for Del Piero? Juventus directors suggest he could become a Coach.

“I have no idea, in all honesty I have not thought about it yet.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/dec20f.html

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Ale ole

Alex is Italy's favourite player



Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero is the most popular player in Italy, according to a survey by sticker manufacturer Panini.

Panini, who are renowned for their collectable stickers, conducted the poll last December as they launched their 2008-09 range.

The Modena-based company received more than 200,000 votes online or by phone.

Del Piero won the majority of those votes with 9,916 to his name, ahead of Juve teammate Gigi Buffon, Tuttosport reports.

Inter striking star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was third, Napoli hero Ezequiel Lavezzi came in fourth and Milan man Kaka was just fifth.

The most popular 11 were then made into an all-star team.

Panini's ideal 11: Buffon (Juventus); Maicon (Inter), Chiellini (Juventus), Gamberini (Fiorentina); Doni (Atalanta), Kaka (Milan), Hamsik (Napoli), Nedved (Juventus); Lavezzi (Napoli), Ibrahimovic (Inter), Del Piero (Juventus)

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/news.html

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From a commercial during the Italy game last night

Alex's wife Sonia gave birth to a baby girl today, they called her Dorotea.

Congratulations to Alex. It will be sad to see two great legends shake hands to start the game at the weekend for the last time.

End of an era, perhaps Giovinco and Pato one day, but I don't hold much hope the way football is now.

They are not the same. It's hard to envision players like Maldini, Del Piero, Zanetti at those clubs in future, can't happen.

Marchisio maybe, he really is Juve through and through, fan, ballboy, player. Perhaps someone will (be allowed to) come through at Milan.

I hope Marchisio can do it but there's so much more than just being devoted to the club.

Christian Maldini carries the hopes of half a city on his 12 year-old shoulders.

Seriously? Now that is desperate, he might not even be good enough for Serie A.

Not a good atmosphere to grow up in I agree.

Diego Maradona Jr, last seen playing beach soccer for Italy

Jordi Cruyff

Yes, but the Maldini family line at least has a two generation run going.

To be less emotional about it, looking at the youth teams Marco Gaeta is the most immediately hopeful although he was only in the Allievi Nazionali this season. He's a playmaker, born in Milan, and was our top scorer. I expect him to go straight to Primavera and hope he can do well.

If we remove the conditions of being born in Milan and playing only for Milan then there are a couple in the Primavera; Albertazzi, Pasini and Perucchini being the best Italians. Maybe Darmian can still make it and of course there is Paloschi.

Juventus have these players from the Primavera/First Team born in Torino:

Claudio Marchisio *
Sebastian Giovinco *
Giuseppe Giovinco *
Fausto Rossi *
Lorenzo Ariaudo *
Simone Esposito
Fabrizio Lazzeri
Alberto Libertazzi
Ivan Mignano

The ones asterixed have already shown enough to suggest they could have good or very good careers ahead of them. Esposito is also pretty good but you can't predict his future, and Libertazzi is two years ahead of his age group being in Primavera.

Del Piero in the cold

Alessandro Del Piero is being frozen out by Juventus, who appear reluctant to renew his contract, according to Tuttosport.

The 34-year-old, who is a legend in Turin, started on the bench against Milan and wants a 'recognised role'.

Del Piero has a contract with Juventus until the end of next season, but recent events at the club suggest it will not be extended.

Juventus are close to signing Diego, a 24-year-old Brazil international who plays in a very similar role to Del Piero.

Vincenzo Iaquinta and Amauri have also moved ahead of Del Piero in the Juventus pecking order, making first team opportunities hard to come by.

The Bianconeri are looking to move in a new direction, cutting costs and prioritising youth development.

Del Piero has not made his discomfort public and, as a consummate professional, continues to train to the best of his ability.

At a golf tournament earlier this week, he said: “I don't want to comment on the Juve situation… I won't say anything. It's not the place.”

The World Cup winner made his 600th appearance for Juventus as a second half substitute against Milan on Sunday.

He has won 15 major honours in 16 years with the Bianconeri and is widely regarded as one of the club's best ever players.

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I think next season might be his last at Juventus, perhaps in football. He is at the stage now where he can deliver a sensational first half of the season and is an important player, then he tires and starts to run on empty by February. With Diego coming in and Giovinco crying out for a shot in Del Piero's position I think it might be the right time, if there ever can be one, for Alex to move upstairs. He doesn't deserve becoming a bench player or a bit-part player because he is the club legend. If he doesn't want to retire then a jaunt in the MLS or J-League would be ideal.

Juventus are at the stage now we are at the limit with a few players who are pretty much greats for the club, Nedved is retiring, Trezeguet possibly will leave in the summer, so we are getting to that cut off point.

it will be a different Juventus without him...

Del Piero 'didn't understand' Ranieri



Alessandro Del Piero sent a scathing message to Claudio Ranieri after scoring a brace on his comeback.

“I think that Ranieri has a way of seeing things that only he can truly explain.”

The Juventus captain had been repeatedly dropped by the previous tactician, but Ciro Ferrara put him in the starting XI and he scored twice in the 3-0 win at Siena.

“I always put in the utmost effort,” assured Alex. “I am happy to have scored two goals on Ferrara’s debut, but don’t forget I had netted 19 with Ranieri.

“Unfortunately they’ve been lacking recently and I’m sorry we arrived at this stage. Ferrara gave me confidence and kept that up throughout the game.”

Del Piero did have some words of comfort for the Coach who was fired on Monday, though.

“One has to admit that in times of victory we were all great, but during the difficult moments it’s not as if Ranieri was entirely to blame.

“Those who are called upon to play, like me today, have to give their all. The same happened with Pavel [Nedved] and Mauro [Camoranesi].”

It is a curious situation for Del Piero to be in, as he was once Ferrara’s teammate for both Juventus and Italy.

“I met him as a teammate and as the chief of the youth sector, but I must say he was ready and decisive at the first experience. It went well and that is the crucial thing about today.”

The victory has mathematically put Juventus in the Champions League without going through the preliminary round thanks to their superior head-to-head record against both Milan and Fiorentina.

What do we do with Del Piero? His contract expires in 2010 but the board seem unsure whether to give him a renewed contract or not. It's a complex scenario.

- He will be 35 by June 2010.
- He is still a key player both on (top scorer, top assister) and off the pitch at the club, but does not have the physical condition to play an entire season.
- He is a living legend and has to be treated in an exceptional way.
- As a result he is not going to accept the bench for any lengthy period of time.

Can't pull a Ryan Giggs with him at all then?