interesting article from soccerpie.com
New Juventus without Del Piero?
As we predicted few weeks ago on these pages, Juventus got off to a great start in Serie A. Two wins are a clear sign of the difference in the quality between Inter and Juventus has been significantly reduced and the biggest Italian club might regain domination in Serie A.
Excellent transfer campaign was supported by Lippi’s might shadow hidden behind his pupil Ciro Ferrara. 90% of Azzuri defense, including keeper Buffon now plays for Juventus.
Even eight players are under Lippi’s command and Brazilian Amauri is expected to join them after taking the Italian passport.
However, the new seasons asks for the change at the helm. The arrival of Diego, who was the leading force against Chievo and Roma, is the first sign that the generations are changing. Del Piero, nailed to the bench probably didn’t hope that his end will be initiated by his big friend and former team mate, Ciro Ferrara.
The same can be said for David Trezeguet, who is shadowed by Iaquinta and Amauri.
This two won the titles with Ferrara and were the pillars of big Juventus on the start of the 21st century. Now the coach is torn between the memories and his new role in the team.
However, it seems that Ferrara, precisely thanks to his mentor Lippi is ready to make some deep cuts. Six points from the first two rounds give him the right to restructure the team that came down to a one-man show last season.
Of course, we are talking about Del Piero. He was ruled out many times, but he always came back better than ever. The man with most caps in the history of the club, and the first place on all-time scorers list is a legend in Juventus.
If you asked the fans, most of them would choose him over Diego, who practically beat Roma on his own. Del Piero is simply beyond comparison.
How will Ferrara carry the revolution out? Will we see the compromise, captain and Diego playing together or Del Piero will remain shadowed?
Since he spent the whole 90 minutes against Roma on the bench, legendary captain said on his website that he hopes to join the starting eleven against Lazio. Yesterday he spent half an hour in a private chat with the coach. What these two friends said to each other remains a secret, till next week at least.
One thing is certain, as long as he wins Ferrara will have the right to make even the most difficult decisions. The first defeat will start an avalanche, as Del Piero is more than a player, he means to the fans as much as the club.