Angry Alex still delighted Wednesday 5 July, 2006
Alessandro Del Piero has admitted that his goal celebration in Italy’s win over Germany was filled with more anger than joy.
The Juventus captain erupted after sliding the ball into the back of the net with the last kick of the game to see the Azzurri through to the World Cup Final.
“My celebration was more anger than joy at first, caused by many things it’s better not to talk about now, but it turned into happiness for this Final,” he said.
Del Piero has been something of an enigma during his international career after failing to reproduce his club form for the Azzurri.
But although he is no longer guaranteed a starting shirt for Italy, he’s delighted that he is still of some use.
“Many times goals come out of difficulties and determination, so my enjoyment is tripled,” he stated. “If you don’t play much and still score, then that’s extra special.”
Del Piero was introduced in the second period of extra-time as the Azzurri looked to avoid going to penalties.
And he sealed the win by basically running the length of the field, without the ball, to ensure a memorable 2-0 victory.
“If it’s balanced until four minutes from the end of extra-time, then it had to be tough. As the away side and with everything happening, we had it all against us,” he added.
“I called for the ball from midfield! I was a long way back, but Gilardino did well to hold up the ball and hear me call again when I got closer.”