Il Capitano Alessandro Del Piero (250 Viewers)

[Dostoevsky]

Del Piero And Cassano Still Have A Chance - Donadoni

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni says that no player should feel he is already out of contention for the Azzurri's Euro 2008 squad.

In an interview to Spanish sports paper "Don Balon", Italy coach Roberto Donadoni talked about the players he is considering for his Euro 2008 squad, and revealed that the doors are open for every player who deserves to come along. So even Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano, who were both excluded in the Azzurri's most recent matches, should not feel left out already.

"Everyone still has a chance, so they [Del Piero and Cassano] do as well," said Donadoni. "It depends only on them. I assure you that if until the Euros a player plays frequently and trains with his team, the doors of the national team are open."

That will sound like great news to Cassano, who was recently sent off during Sampdoria's match against Torino for some petulant protesting against the referee and suspended for five matches. It was said that this umpteenth controversial episode was the last nail in the coffin for Cassano's chances to take part in the Euro 2008 squad, but it now seems that was exaggerated.

The coach then revealed his sensations three months before the start of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"I've been thinking about the Euros since we qualified, and especially since the draw was made," he continued. "From the moment I knew who our opponents would be, I only think about analysing their squads, and of course about my own players as well, but that's the life of a national team coach."

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[Seven]

I'd say dear Doni sounds a bit amateuristic. You've been thinking about the Euros, have you? It's your job, FFS! This guy sucks.

And Cassano should be left out. He fucked up and should feel the consequences.

 

[Elvin]

Indeed. What other records are coming up?

Goals in Serie A: He's on 145, Totti has 164 and #13 all time scorer.
Appearances in Serie A: He only has 357, Maldini has 612

I guess after taking Scirea he has set all the records he could.

All Juventus records, yes he has indeed.

Totti's goals in Serie A was somehow expected (to be ahead of Del Piero) looking what position he plays in his team and comparing the problems Del Piero had in his career from coaches to injuries etc.

As for appearances in Serie A, not even in 50years time can someone break Maldini's record

Buffon will. Mark my words

 

[HelterSkelter]

I doubt if Buffon will stay at Juventus that long.

 

[Elvin]

I doubt if Buffon will stay at Juventus that long.

He already has almost 400 caps in Serie A (with Parma and Juventus).
I think he's going to retire with us, but [God forbid] if he leaves us, he'll most probably join another Serie A club anyway, and continue from there...

 

[Salvo]

He already has almost 400 caps in Serie A (with Parma and Juventus).
I think he's going to retire with us, but [God forbid] if he leaves us, he'll most probably join another Serie A club anyway, and continue from there...

i think he will retire with us

 

[Dostoevsky]

Amelia Would Prefer Del Piero To Cassano

Italy backup goalkeeper Marco Amelia has hinted that he would prefer Alessandro Del Piero go to Euro 2008, rather than Antonio Cassano.

Del Piero Or Cassano?

It is widely accepted that only one of these two support strikers will board the plane to Austria and Switzerland, and there has been much debate in the Calcio community over which of the two should go.

"Antonio played a small part of the history of this group. He has been called-up only twice,” said Amelia.

“Alex has been around much more. The truth is that it is not the group who should accept anyone, rather the individual must adapt to the group. This was the spirit in which we won the World Cup.”

These comments seem to hint that Cassano’s volatile personality could disrupt the harmony in the Italian camp.

goal.com

 

[Azzurri7]

You cant even be mad for Maldini to have that record. He is Pure class as well.

Maldini is one of my fav players right after Del Piero.

I just have one question, how the hell did he control that ball?????? It was going to fast and he was running. He did not even slow down or change his posture, in addition the ball did not even bounce. It was going down fast and suddenly it was part of the run Del Piero was running..
MIND BLOWING CONTROL..

I was wondering the same, I mean he controlled the ball while running really fast, had he been running slowly or not even running I would have felt it and understand it, but how he controlled that ball is beyond me, really.

 

[Salvo]

Amelia Would Prefer Del Piero To Cassano

Italy backup goalkeeper Marco Amelia has hinted that he would prefer Alessandro Del Piero go to Euro 2008, rather than Antonio Cassano.

Del Piero Or Cassano?

It is widely accepted that only one of these two support strikers will board the plane to Austria and Switzerland, and there has been much debate in the Calcio community over which of the two should go.

"Antonio played a small part of the history of this group. He has been called-up only twice,” said Amelia.

“Alex has been around much more. The truth is that it is not the group who should accept anyone, rather the individual must adapt to the group. This was the spirit in which we won the World Cup.”

These comments seem to hint that Cassano’s volatile personality could disrupt the harmony in the Italian camp.

goal.com

well said my man

 

[Lainika]

"I've been thinking about the Euros since we qualified, and especially since the draw was made," he continued. "From the moment I knew who our opponents would be, I only think about analysing their squads, and of course about my own players as well, but that's the life of a national team coach."

And getting well paid! So: do not think, áct! Get Del Piero over here!

 

[Lainika]

It's time!

How long must I wait? Djeezz!

 

[juve nel cuore]

i think he will retire with us

he would like to play in genoa's team, so probably, at the end of his carreer, he will go there...but I hope no...it isn't the first time he said it

 

[Azzurri7]

Alex outlines his aims

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.”

 

[Dominic]

Why not highlight the entire article, while you're at it?

 

[V]

Why not highlight the entire article, while you're at it?

 

[Gill_juve]

Why not highlight the entire article, while you're at it?

 

[Eddy]

 

[Azzurri7]

Why not highlight the entire article, while you're at it?

will do it next time

 

[AngelaL]

Why not highlight the entire article, while you're at it?

Rab's like me, and believes that Alex's words are the most important part of the article!

When Il Nostro Capitano speaks, the world should listen!

14 March 2008
Del Piero: «11 finals await us»

With the so-called black week erased after the win in Genoa, Juventus' season is now at a crucial juncture. Eleven games remain to be played. Eleven cup finals: that's how some Bianconeri have defined them. The last to do so was Alessandro Del Piero.

The Captain, who held a long press conference today, sounded the charge. And spoke about everything: from the team's current period to the team of the future, from his performances to the European Championships, plus the record he looks set to break soon, for the highest number of games played in the history of the Club.

The rallying cry: balance. «At this point of the season we mustn't be too content or too relaxed. A balance is needed. Only that can give us the strength we need».

Eleven finals. «Knowing Fiorentina's and AC Milan's worth, a four or five point advantage doesn't allow us to say we are safe in our position. The points we earned at Genoa were crucial. This is the time to step on the accelerator and for us these last 11 games must be like 11 cup finals».

Sufficient stamina. «Only by going on the pitch will we know if we still have enough stamina to reach the last hurdle. We only have one game to play midweek before the end of the season, so we'll have all the time to recover after every match and not only under a physical point of view».

Assessment postponed. «It's not time to make any final assessment yet, not even about future objectives. We must only concentrate on getting the most we can from each match; basically we must always try and win. I would never sign for any objective beforehand; I want to play my cards until the very end. For 16 years I've aimed for the top and I’ve achieved it».

Which Europe? «Playing to get into the Champions League or the UEFA Cup are two different things: not only in financial terms, but due to the two competitions’ different appeal. Nowadays, the UEFA Cup is like a mini-Champions League, but it's worth fighting to get into the more glamorous tournament».

League still open. «We lost seven out of nine possible points in seven days; it wasn't all our own fault and that's a real shame. But Inter Milan lost five points in just a few matches too. Aiming for the best result also means hoping we can get to second place. That's why I'm rooting for Roma do very well in the Champions League and a little less well in the League».

Starting again against Napoli. «Memories about the last game against them are fading, but we'll have to try and use it as extra motivation. There are three important points up for grabs and playing at home must be a decisive factor. I'm sorry about Zalayeta's injury. I score often against Napoli? I hope to continue this time also».

John Elkann's visit. «Yesterday we talked about the team's moment. He confirmed how close the Club is to us now, I told him the atmosphere is good and that we have important games ahead of us, from which we want to get the most».

Juventus' future. «Over the years we've kept our strengths, such as our determination and our will to win. I'd begin from these foundations for the future too. We're aware something's amiss, but understanding what and doing something about it is a little harder. Some excellent new signings and more faith in ourselves could help».

Personal assessment. «It's too early for a personal assessment too. My objectives are definitely clear and only some of them depend entirely on me. I want to keep giving my best, with determination and with a strong desire to play. And then I still hope I can take part in the European Championships».

Chasing Euro 2008. «It mustn't become an obsession. I spoke with Donadoni before he named the last squad. He wants answers from the pitch and I know I can give them to him. Only by playing well will I reach both mine and Juventus’ objectives. Everything depends on these last few matches. I'm aware I've had a wonderful season until now and I want to finish it off even better. And then Donadoni will have all the freedom to choose the set-up he feels is more appropriate. The only thing I need to do is to continue playing like I am».

Change of attitude. «Thanks to what I achieved last year and what I'm achieving this year, I think I made a lot of people change their attitude towards me. I responded well to criticism; not only from the press, but from others in the business too. That's why I can only be pleased. Only the facts can determine certain situations and if you get positive results there's more enthusiasm».

Many decisive aspects. «A lot of different aspects are conditioning the end result. The way I've trained is only one of them. The others are analyzing the games I played, eating well and also being happy with my family».

An icon regardless of stats. «In just a few games I'll reach Scirea's number of games played? Statistics are important and they must be emphasized. It'll be a proud moment when I equal such a champion, who made history regardless of his stats. Just like others, such as Boniperti and Furino. Then there are players who hold no records but are in people's hearts, like Platini for example. Trophies won, how you play, how you behave - these are the things that count. And under this point of view, I hope I can imitate Scirea, Boniperti and the others».

Source: - Juventus.com
Grande Alex! He's such a credit to football!

 

[Elvin]

I like how despite all the tension that's been between him and Michel, he still recognizes Platini's legendary status. Class.