Sub role angers Del Piero
Thursday 18 December, 2003
Alessandro Del Piero has spoken of his frustration at being left out of the Juventus side recently.
The Italian international has started the last two games, against Olympiakos and Parma, on the bench after some mediocre form since recovering from injury.
"Sitting on the bench makes me angry," he told the ‘Tuttosport’ newspaper. "That’s because I can’t contribute to the side."
Del Piero suffered a thigh strain in the Week 3 clash against Roma but his displays since his return saw him heavily criticised by the media.
"I get injured at least once a year and it takes time for me to get back to my best," he added. "However, I’m now back and I hope to be fundamental for my club again.
"I don’t want to spend anymore time on the treatment table this season."
Although Alex has been a substitute in the last two games, he has significantly scored in both ties almost immediately after his introduction.
He’ll have another chance to shine on Thursday in the Coppa Italia when he will start the game against Siena alongside David Trezeguet.
The Turin based publication also took the opportunity to ask for Del Piero’s thoughts on a number of other subjects.
What does he think about the possibility that Marcello Lippi could replace Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni?
"It would be an excellent choice," he noted. "Lippi is a great tactician who has won everything.
"And if the stories about his successor in Turin are true then it would be intriguing to see Gianluca Vialli or Didier Deschamps on the Bianconeri bench.
"They are both very prepared tacticians and I’m convinced that they would do very well."
Del Piero also passed comment on Perugia’s proposed capture of a female striker in the form of Brigit Prinz.
"Women have different muscular structures to men," he said. "She may be the best female player in the world but she would be at the back of the men’s queue."
Football Italia
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Just sit on the bench and keep quiet you male chovanist (spelling, please someone!)