Il Capitano Alessandro Del Piero (75 Viewers)
- Thread starter Chxta
- Start date
De Rossi captains new Italy
Tuesday 16 October, 2007
Daniele De Rossi will captain Italy against South Africa on Wednesday, but insists that is not his proudest Azzurri moment.
“I am happy to wear the armband, but I am far prouder at my age to have notched up nearly 30 senior caps,” said the 24-year-old.
The Roma starlet leads out an experimental side for the friendly match with South Africa tomorrow evening and shoots down suggestions Italy have little strength in depth.
“The likes of Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti only come along once every 10 years. Yet we have players who are capable of world class moves, like Pasquale Foggia, Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella. That has always been the case for Italy and I am optimistic about the future.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
De Rossi admires Alex big time.
Tuesday 16 October, 2007
Daniele De Rossi will captain Italy against South Africa on Wednesday, but insists that is not his proudest Azzurri moment.
“I am happy to wear the armband, but I am far prouder at my age to have notched up nearly 30 senior caps,” said the 24-year-old.
The Roma starlet leads out an experimental side for the friendly match with South Africa tomorrow evening and shoots down suggestions Italy have little strength in depth.
“The likes of Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti only come along once every 10 years. Yet we have players who are capable of world class moves, like Pasquale Foggia, Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella. That has always been the case for Italy and I am optimistic about the future.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
De Rossi admires Alex big time.
Just an article I came across. Thought you guys might like to remember how important our captain is to italian football and Juve
Del Piero National hero
June 14, 2002
Juventus Official Site
At a certain point, a few Juventus fans must have thought of curse against the Juve players who are involved in this World Cup in Japan and Korea. Immediately sent home, during the first round, Trezeguet and Thuram with France, Montero, Carini and Co. with Uruguay. Even Italy risked the same destiny.
From Borgetti's goal till Ecuador's goal against Croatia, the Italian National team was virtually out of the competition. Who broke the curse was today's Juventus's symbol: Alessandro Del Piero. Put in at the 32' of the second half for Totti, Alex resolved all of the problems scoring (40') the definitive equaliser, with a header, as a real striker, anticipating the Mexican defence.
For a moment, Del Piero relived those wonderful sensations of a Japanese evening of six years ago. In Tokyo, on the 26th of November, thanks to him, Juventus reached the top of the world by winning the intercontinental Cup. This one against Mexico, his 18th with Italy, maybe doesn't have the same importance. Or rather, it will be the final assessment of this Italian expedition to give it the right importance.
What was immediately clear though is that Del Piero hasn't lost his desire to be important. And from this moment is ready for a great World Cup final. Alike Zambrotta, also today positive, especially for determination and presence, called to give the team a good equilibrium as in this occasion a more offensive set-up was chosen. As for Buffon, unlucky today, as he was beaten thanks to the only shot on goal by the Mexicans. Iuliano is always waiting for a deserved chance to give his contribution.
Now the Italian expedition will move to Korea where on Tuesday will play the next round. Against South Korea, Portugal or United States will be known tomorrow. When they arrive, Trapattoni's team will discover the warmth of the Koreans just like the Japanese. With the hope to go back and play in Japan, for the Final scheduled on the 30th of June in Yokohama. And who knows if Del Piero will have another reason to love Japan and all of its people for whom he already is a hero.
Del Piero National hero
June 14, 2002
Juventus Official Site
At a certain point, a few Juventus fans must have thought of curse against the Juve players who are involved in this World Cup in Japan and Korea. Immediately sent home, during the first round, Trezeguet and Thuram with France, Montero, Carini and Co. with Uruguay. Even Italy risked the same destiny.
From Borgetti's goal till Ecuador's goal against Croatia, the Italian National team was virtually out of the competition. Who broke the curse was today's Juventus's symbol: Alessandro Del Piero. Put in at the 32' of the second half for Totti, Alex resolved all of the problems scoring (40') the definitive equaliser, with a header, as a real striker, anticipating the Mexican defence.
For a moment, Del Piero relived those wonderful sensations of a Japanese evening of six years ago. In Tokyo, on the 26th of November, thanks to him, Juventus reached the top of the world by winning the intercontinental Cup. This one against Mexico, his 18th with Italy, maybe doesn't have the same importance. Or rather, it will be the final assessment of this Italian expedition to give it the right importance.
What was immediately clear though is that Del Piero hasn't lost his desire to be important. And from this moment is ready for a great World Cup final. Alike Zambrotta, also today positive, especially for determination and presence, called to give the team a good equilibrium as in this occasion a more offensive set-up was chosen. As for Buffon, unlucky today, as he was beaten thanks to the only shot on goal by the Mexicans. Iuliano is always waiting for a deserved chance to give his contribution.
Now the Italian expedition will move to Korea where on Tuesday will play the next round. Against South Korea, Portugal or United States will be known tomorrow. When they arrive, Trapattoni's team will discover the warmth of the Koreans just like the Japanese. With the hope to go back and play in Japan, for the Final scheduled on the 30th of June in Yokohama. And who knows if Del Piero will have another reason to love Japan and all of its people for whom he already is a hero.
Another one
Del Piero's star in the ascendancy
June 17, 2002
UEFA.com
Written by Andrew Warshaw
With his swept back hair and penetrating brown eyes, Alessandro del Piero has long been one of Italy's footballing heart-throbs. But like so many sublimely gifted players who never quite achieve immortality - think of Roberto Baggio - something in Del Piero's make-up has prevented him from fulfilling his talents consistently for his country.
Old Lady's favourite son
Del Piero might have had his ups and downs with any number of coaches - both for club and country - but for sheer technical invention andd awareness in and around the box, there are few more potent players in his position. Although he seems to have been around for years, he is still only 28, an age at which many forwards come into their their prime. Four Italian league titles have come his way plus a UEFA Champions League trophy, all with his beloved Juventus FC.
Big occasion
Now he has chance to better all those achievements by winning the FIFA World Cup with Italy and making up for the disappointment of losing the EURO 2000™ to France by a golden goal. First, of course, his country have to put paid to the Korean Republic to reach the quarter-finals - no easy task given the surprising results this World Cup continues to serve up. But Del Piero is a man for the big occasion and none come much bigger than Tuesday's clash in Daejeon.
Quick play
"Certainly there is a bit more tension for this game than for our previous matches," said Del Piero as he looked ahead to taking on the Koreans. "Hopefully, once we get out on the pitch, that will ease. We have got to be a very tight unit because they break very quickly. Perhaps for some people, Korea have already achieved what they set out to do but having got this far, they will want to go further."
First-team chance
Del Piero looks like being given the chance to make sure that does not happen. On Monday Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni gave the broadest hint that he would start with Del Piero alongside Christian Vieri as a reward for scoring the 85th minute equaliser that gave Italy the precious point they needed against Mexico to advance to the last 16. If Trapattoni does go for Del Piero he will still be taking a gamble, given the fact that the Juventus striker was something of a flop in France four years ago and has been left on the bench for all three of Italy's group games so far in this tournament. Trapattoni's preference for Francesco Totti of AS Roma has left Del Piero something of a forlorn figure at times in the Italian camp, though he has taken his predicament on the chin.
Lengthy conversations
"I have been out of the side but I never gave up," said the Juventus forward. "I have felt in good shape even though I have not been starting and I think I could do well alongside Vieri because for two years we played together at Juventus." Trapattoni wants Del Piero to fight for the collective cause as well as produce his trickery in and around the box, an issue that has been discussed at length between player and coach. "I told him what I wanted from him," said Trapattoni. "I was very transparent and he showed he is available to take on the role."
Role-playing
That means tracking back and helping his defence when necessary, rather than remaining in the last third - a potentially crucial role on Tuesday. "The thing is, he is neither a playmaker nor an out-and-out striker," said Trapattoni. Italian fans will hope he can fulfil a little of both.
.
Del Piero's star in the ascendancy
June 17, 2002
UEFA.com
Written by Andrew Warshaw
With his swept back hair and penetrating brown eyes, Alessandro del Piero has long been one of Italy's footballing heart-throbs. But like so many sublimely gifted players who never quite achieve immortality - think of Roberto Baggio - something in Del Piero's make-up has prevented him from fulfilling his talents consistently for his country.
Old Lady's favourite son
Del Piero might have had his ups and downs with any number of coaches - both for club and country - but for sheer technical invention andd awareness in and around the box, there are few more potent players in his position. Although he seems to have been around for years, he is still only 28, an age at which many forwards come into their their prime. Four Italian league titles have come his way plus a UEFA Champions League trophy, all with his beloved Juventus FC.
Big occasion
Now he has chance to better all those achievements by winning the FIFA World Cup with Italy and making up for the disappointment of losing the EURO 2000™ to France by a golden goal. First, of course, his country have to put paid to the Korean Republic to reach the quarter-finals - no easy task given the surprising results this World Cup continues to serve up. But Del Piero is a man for the big occasion and none come much bigger than Tuesday's clash in Daejeon.
Quick play
"Certainly there is a bit more tension for this game than for our previous matches," said Del Piero as he looked ahead to taking on the Koreans. "Hopefully, once we get out on the pitch, that will ease. We have got to be a very tight unit because they break very quickly. Perhaps for some people, Korea have already achieved what they set out to do but having got this far, they will want to go further."
First-team chance
Del Piero looks like being given the chance to make sure that does not happen. On Monday Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni gave the broadest hint that he would start with Del Piero alongside Christian Vieri as a reward for scoring the 85th minute equaliser that gave Italy the precious point they needed against Mexico to advance to the last 16. If Trapattoni does go for Del Piero he will still be taking a gamble, given the fact that the Juventus striker was something of a flop in France four years ago and has been left on the bench for all three of Italy's group games so far in this tournament. Trapattoni's preference for Francesco Totti of AS Roma has left Del Piero something of a forlorn figure at times in the Italian camp, though he has taken his predicament on the chin.
Lengthy conversations
"I have been out of the side but I never gave up," said the Juventus forward. "I have felt in good shape even though I have not been starting and I think I could do well alongside Vieri because for two years we played together at Juventus." Trapattoni wants Del Piero to fight for the collective cause as well as produce his trickery in and around the box, an issue that has been discussed at length between player and coach. "I told him what I wanted from him," said Trapattoni. "I was very transparent and he showed he is available to take on the role."
Role-playing
That means tracking back and helping his defence when necessary, rather than remaining in the last third - a potentially crucial role on Tuesday. "The thing is, he is neither a playmaker nor an out-and-out striker," said Trapattoni. Italian fans will hope he can fulfil a little of both.
.
yesssss
Del Piero pay cut seals contract?
Alessandro Del Piero’s contract saga could be over after reports of a deal with Juventus until 2010 with a 20 per cent pay cut.
The captain and the club have been locked in increasingly bitter talks for the last few months over his status and director of sport Alessio Secco even suggested publicly “we may lose him.”
However, crunch negotiations with Del Piero’s agent – brother Stefano – all day today seem to have found a solution.
Since midday he has been in the Corso Galileo headquarters with Secco and general manager Jean-Claude Blanc, later joined by President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.
Although there is no official word yet, several news sources in Italy report that a new contract until June 30, 2010 has been agreed.
As Del Piero turns 33 on November 9, Juventus only accepted such a long deal if it came with a pay cut.
It is believed his wages will be reduced by 20 per cent in the first year to £2.8m and 25 per cent in 2009-10 to just £2.4m.
channel 4
Alessandro Del Piero’s contract saga could be over after reports of a deal with Juventus until 2010 with a 20 per cent pay cut.
The captain and the club have been locked in increasingly bitter talks for the last few months over his status and director of sport Alessio Secco even suggested publicly “we may lose him.”
However, crunch negotiations with Del Piero’s agent – brother Stefano – all day today seem to have found a solution.
Since midday he has been in the Corso Galileo headquarters with Secco and general manager Jean-Claude Blanc, later joined by President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.
Although there is no official word yet, several news sources in Italy report that a new contract until June 30, 2010 has been agreed.
As Del Piero turns 33 on November 9, Juventus only accepted such a long deal if it came with a pay cut.
It is believed his wages will be reduced by 20 per cent in the first year to £2.8m and 25 per cent in 2009-10 to just £2.4m.
channel 4
