Channel 4:
Japanese job for Del Piero?
Thursday 13 January, 2005
As Juve’s moves on the transfer market hot up, Bianconeri captain Alessandro Del Piero is tempted by the J-League.
The Italian international has a troubled relationship with Fabio Capello after being substituted by the Coach 17 times this season.
David Trezeguet’s return from injury, which sees the Frenchman start in Juve’s Coppa Italia tie tonight, could see Pinturicchio pushed back on to the bench.
The Azzurri star is highly rated in Japan, and a number of clubs have made it clear that they could offer Del Piero an incredible financial package, including J-League giants Kashima Antlers.
The Delle Alpi favourite has consistently refused a move away from the club which he has come to symbolise, though at the age of 30 his career has been winding down with a succession of injuries and long patches of poor form.
Meanwhile, Nicola Legrottaglie and Igor Tudor are close to agreeing terms for their transfer to the UK. Both players are being courted by West Bromwich Albion, who seem on the verge of pulling off an impressive coup.
The Bianconeri are cutting down on their squad after selling Mark Iuliano to Hector Cuper’s Real Majorca in a permanent move.
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