++ [ originally posted by Tifoso ] ++
Capello revives Alex hopes Saturday 17 September, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fabio Capello has hinted at a starting spot for Alessandro Del Piero against Ascoli tomorrow afternoon in a new trident attack with Adrian Mutu.
“Juventus are in good condition,” assured the Coach after three consecutive wins between Serie A and the Champions League. “Psychologically we are also doing well and want to continue along the path we have set out on this season. It’s a wonderful journey, but a difficult one, and the efforts of everyone in training have been impressive.”
Much has been said on the future of Del Piero, although patron Lapo Elkann later insisted he had not called the captain, “an expensive luxury we can no longer afford.” With reports of a move to Japan, the Premiership or even their rivals Milan, it might be time for Capello to give him another chance.
“Del Piero is in great form during training and very relaxed. I can assure you that controversy only fires him up to do better.”
During the summer the Bianconeri tested out a trident attack and could employ that system against newly promoted Ascoli, who are still unbeaten in Serie A despite facing Milan and Lecce.
David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be rested in favour of Del Piero, Mutu and Marcelo Zalayeta, although the Frenchman could stay on considering his good form of late.
Some of the top stars are set to be rested, as Juventus face a difficult test on Wednesday against joint Serie A leaders Udinese.
Capello must also make another difficult decision, as Gianluca Pessotto is still injured, so he can choose between Jonathan Zebina and Manuele Blasi for the right-back role. Midfielder Blasi took that position with some success in the 2-1 Champions League win over Club Brugge midweek.
this just shows that capello really has nothing personal against Del Piero.. every one will get a chance