++ [ originally posted by Stuart ] ++
Del Piero set for Azzurri recall
Thursday 11 August, 2005
Juventus’ Alessandro Del Piero looks likely to be included in Italy’s squad for next week’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
The club captain hasn’t appeared for the national side in the past 11 months, but whispers suggest he will be selected for Wednesday’s Dublin test.
Boss Marcello Lippi is understood to have been impressed with Del Piero’s pre-season form, he netted twice against Roma in midweek, and his name is expected to be in Sunday’s squad list.
Del Piero will be eager to prove a point to his former Bianconeri Coach after becoming a fringe player over the last year for his country.
The attacker has only played in one of Lippi’s 12 games in charge, back on September 8 when he netted the only goal of the game in Moldova.
Del Piero has openly admitted that he wants to be a part of the 2006 World Cup squad but he faces a tough battle.
Lippi hasn’t hidden his admiration for the Roma duo of Antonio Cassano and Francesco Totti, players who could cost Del Piero his place in Germany.
The tactician is expected to select a ‘strong’ squad for the Ireland game, including Christian Vieri of Milan and Fiorentina’s Luca Toni.
Palermo’s Fabio Grosso should also get the call as Juventus’ reserve left-back Giorgio Chiellini is unavailable after fracturing his nose.
Udinese goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis and shot-stopper Flavio Roma of Monaco are being tipped to join first choice ‘keeper Gigi Buffon on the trip.
Football Italia
