Lippi issues Del Piero warning Tuesday 11 October, 2005
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Italy boss Marcello Lippi has made the shock admission that Alex Del Piero may not be selected for the 2006 World Cup Finals.
The Juventus captain was once an untouchable figure in the national squad, but he has been warned on Tuesday that he isn’t assured of making the trip to Germany.
Although Del Piero will start against Moldova on Wednesday, the tactician has taken the extraordinary step of publicly questioning the 31-year-old’s ability.
"I have to be honest, Del Piero is not part of the group of players who are certain to be included in the squad," Lippi stated.
"There are some individuals here who will go to the World Cup, others will have to earn their place.
"But Del Piero is an intelligent man. If he continues to work hard as he is doing now then there won’t be a problem.
"All of the players from now on must do well game after game, that is their destiny at this time."
Although Lippi and Del Piero worked together successfully at Juventus in the past, the Bianconeri legend is no longer assured of a first team shirt in Turin under Fabio Capello.
He will probably also face stiff competition from Roma’s Antonio Cassano for a spot in the final 23-man squad.
Lippi has confirmed that Alex will form a trident attack alongside Christian Vieri and Vincenzo Iaquinta on Wednesday.