Alex sets Italy example
Wednesday 6 June, 2007
Alessandro Del Piero accepted a substitute’s role and is happy to set an example for Italy’s next generation of stars.
“I hope I give a good example to the younger players. We did well today and I am satisfied with my own performance.”
The Juventus captain came on for the final stages of the 2-0 win in Lithuania and praised brace hero Fabio Quagliarella, including a reference to the media scrum over Francesco Totti’s international sabbatical.
“Quagliarella is excellent and it is only right that the headlines should be dominated by those who play and not those who are not here.”
Del Piero has no intention of walking away from the Italy squad and collected his 83rd cap.
“I would love to reach my 100th cap! We all wanted to make our mark and help Italy in this match, so I certainly do not feel like a veteran of the Azzurri scene.”
He almost marked the occasion with a goal, but slipped after he had put two defenders out of business.
“I wanted to cut back once more and slipped, so the chance went begging. I hope that is an example to youngsters too – on how not to do it!”

Now that Juventus have been promoted back into Serie A and Claudio Ranieri is officially the new Coach, Del Piero is feeling enthusiastic about the future.
“Ranieri’s CV speaks for itself. I think that since he arrived we have all started to work towards something truly ambitious and I too am ready to support him all the way.”