Il Capitano Alessandro Del Piero (87 Viewers)
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Del Piero joins Azzurri trident
Alessandro Del Piero is set to be the Azzurri’s secret weapon against France in a wide midfield role for the World Cup Final.
In the last training session before Sunday’s showdown in Berlin, Coach Marcello Lippi fielded Francesco Totti behind lone striker Luca Toni, but introduced the Juventus star in a staggered trident.
Del Piero is not new to playing in this wide role on the left, which would allow Italy to play with a more attacking bent to the classic 4-4-1-1 system.
Lippi split the squad into two for the traditional game between ranks, leaving the first choice defence (Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta) on one side and the favoured attack (Del Piero, Totti and Toni) on the other. Del Piero’s line-up won 3-1 and Lippi constantly asked his men to pass the ball around quickly with one-touch football.
There were rumours last night that Daniele De Rossi would replace Mauro Camoranesi after the expiration of his four-match ban, but this is increasingly unlikely.
The Azzurri will fly out to Berlin this evening, as the Olympiastadion is out of bounds due to heavy rainfall in the city. It’s hoped they’ll at least be able to test the turf to choose which studs are best suited to the conditions at around midday on Sunday. Kick-off for the World Cup Final is 8pm local time, 7pm in the UK.
“The atmosphere is very relaxed,” assured chief of medical staff Enrico Castellacci. “The players are taking the lead-up the same way as all the other games in this tournament. Clearly they know this is a very special encounter that could give them the trophy, but this particular type of tension can only do them good. They’re doing the usual things: reading, playing ping-pong, watching television or just chatting.”
Alessandro Del Piero is set to be the Azzurri’s secret weapon against France in a wide midfield role for the World Cup Final.
In the last training session before Sunday’s showdown in Berlin, Coach Marcello Lippi fielded Francesco Totti behind lone striker Luca Toni, but introduced the Juventus star in a staggered trident.
Del Piero is not new to playing in this wide role on the left, which would allow Italy to play with a more attacking bent to the classic 4-4-1-1 system.
Lippi split the squad into two for the traditional game between ranks, leaving the first choice defence (Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta) on one side and the favoured attack (Del Piero, Totti and Toni) on the other. Del Piero’s line-up won 3-1 and Lippi constantly asked his men to pass the ball around quickly with one-touch football.
There were rumours last night that Daniele De Rossi would replace Mauro Camoranesi after the expiration of his four-match ban, but this is increasingly unlikely.
The Azzurri will fly out to Berlin this evening, as the Olympiastadion is out of bounds due to heavy rainfall in the city. It’s hoped they’ll at least be able to test the turf to choose which studs are best suited to the conditions at around midday on Sunday. Kick-off for the World Cup Final is 8pm local time, 7pm in the UK.
“The atmosphere is very relaxed,” assured chief of medical staff Enrico Castellacci. “The players are taking the lead-up the same way as all the other games in this tournament. Clearly they know this is a very special encounter that could give them the trophy, but this particular type of tension can only do them good. They’re doing the usual things: reading, playing ping-pong, watching television or just chatting.”
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul8m.html
Alex dreams of Azzurri glory Saturday 8 July, 2006
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Alessandro Del Piero is tipped to start against France and admits to play a World Cup Final is every player’s childhood dream.
“I’ve never come this far in my career, so it’s only natural that the tension and excitement is growing with each hour,” he said after today’s last training session in Duisburg.
“I have experienced many important Finals, but to lift the World Cup trophy towards the sky is a dream I’ve had since childhood. I hope to make that true and take it back to Italy with me, but I know I must use that tension positively.”
The Juventus star has mainly been used as a substitute so far in this tournament, but there are rumours he could start out wide on the left side of midfield in a staggered trident attack against France.
He was tested out in support of Francesco Totti and Luca Toni this afternoon and looked to be in good shape after scoring a late strike in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Germany.
“This team has all the qualities required to win. Of course, we undoubtedly are facing a great side and a World Cup Final must always be against the very best. Anything can happen and we must remain concentrated on our strengths.”
Many of the players in the French side won the competition in 1998, whereas none of the Italian stars have been in that position before. It's also an opportunity to make a point for Del Piero, who famously missed several great chances before the Azzurri lost the Euro 2000 Final to a David Trezeguet Golden Goal.
“If we say that France are the favourites, it’s down to superstition, but also because there is an element of truth in there,” added Del Piero.
comon ale, score the goal that wins it for italy!!!
Alex dreams of Azzurri glory Saturday 8 July, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alessandro Del Piero is tipped to start against France and admits to play a World Cup Final is every player’s childhood dream.
“I’ve never come this far in my career, so it’s only natural that the tension and excitement is growing with each hour,” he said after today’s last training session in Duisburg.
“I have experienced many important Finals, but to lift the World Cup trophy towards the sky is a dream I’ve had since childhood. I hope to make that true and take it back to Italy with me, but I know I must use that tension positively.”
The Juventus star has mainly been used as a substitute so far in this tournament, but there are rumours he could start out wide on the left side of midfield in a staggered trident attack against France.
He was tested out in support of Francesco Totti and Luca Toni this afternoon and looked to be in good shape after scoring a late strike in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Germany.
“This team has all the qualities required to win. Of course, we undoubtedly are facing a great side and a World Cup Final must always be against the very best. Anything can happen and we must remain concentrated on our strengths.”
Many of the players in the French side won the competition in 1998, whereas none of the Italian stars have been in that position before. It's also an opportunity to make a point for Del Piero, who famously missed several great chances before the Azzurri lost the Euro 2000 Final to a David Trezeguet Golden Goal.
“If we say that France are the favourites, it’s down to superstition, but also because there is an element of truth in there,” added Del Piero.
comon ale, score the goal that wins it for italy!!!
Tuesday 04.07.2006 will be a day I will remember forever! I went to Dortmund with a friend, managed to get tickets to the game, and a couple of hours before the game started I was there at Westfalen Stadium, sitting amongst the Italy-fans. Germany vs Italy in the semifinal of the WC. It doesn't get much bigger than that! The athmosphere was fantastic!
The game was a nervewrecking experience, but we all know how it finished...
When Grosso scored the first goal just before the end, the Italy-section exploded with joy. I screamed until my voice was almost gone. Then the game finished in a more beautiful way than I could ever imagine. Alessandro Del Piero raced through from Gilardino's delightful pass, and Ale's finish was even more delightful. I have seen a few Italy and Juve-matches live, but this was the first time I ever saw my hero score a goal. And what a goal! Amazing! I can honestly say this was the best experience of my life. Even without Ale's goal it would have been a big night, but his goal just made it perfect! So emotional 
I like the idea of starting with both Ale and Totti in the final, but will also be happy if Ale can come off the bench and make an impact on the game. The most important thing however, is that Italy beat France and are crowned World Champions!
Forza Pinturicchio!
Forza Gli Azzurri!
Forza Pesso!
The game was a nervewrecking experience, but we all know how it finished...
When Grosso scored the first goal just before the end, the Italy-section exploded with joy. I screamed until my voice was almost gone. Then the game finished in a more beautiful way than I could ever imagine. Alessandro Del Piero raced through from Gilardino's delightful pass, and Ale's finish was even more delightful. I have seen a few Italy and Juve-matches live, but this was the first time I ever saw my hero score a goal. And what a goal! Amazing! I can honestly say this was the best experience of my life. Even without Ale's goal it would have been a big night, but his goal just made it perfect! So emotional I like the idea of starting with both Ale and Totti in the final, but will also be happy if Ale can come off the bench and make an impact on the game. The most important thing however, is that Italy beat France and are crowned World Champions!
Forza Pinturicchio!
Forza Gli Azzurri!
Forza Pesso!
