Del Piero Still Confident Of Euro 2008 Place
Alessandro Del Piero is still confident that he will return to the Italy squad in time for Euro 2008, despite again being overlooked for this Wednesday’s friendly with Portugal.
The Golden Boy has not featured for the Azzurri since the Euro 2008 qualifier with France in September.
He was subsequently left out of Coach Roberto Donadoni’s squads in October and November and many questioned if his international career was over.
However some stunning club performances for Juventus in the past couple of months led many to believe that it was a formality that he would be recalled for the friendly with Portugal in midweek.
Somewhat surprisingly Donadoni opted for new boy Marco Borriello, Antonio Di Natale, Raffaele Palladino, Fabio Quagliarella and Luca Toni as his forward options.
This has not deterred Del Piero, who is confident of travelling to Euro 2008, and indeed has already chosen the shirt number he would like for the tournament.
"I would like the number 7,” the 33-year-old told La Stampa.
“At Juve I like the 10, but with the national team I would like to continue with this number. With the number 7 I won the World Cup.”
Del Piero, who was not at his best during Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Cagliari yesterday, concluded with a message for Donadoni.
"My phone is turned on, Donadoni has the number,” he stated.
goal.com