Del Piero ends barren run with vital goal

May 7, 2000
SportsServer

By Simon Evans

TURIN, Italy - Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero finally ended his run of 19 months without a league goal from open play on Sunday but said his happiness was solely for his team.

Del Piero headed in a Gianluca Pessotto cross on the hour to give Juventus a 1-0 win over Parma which keeps it two points clear of Lazio before the final round of games.

If Juventus beats Perugia away next Sunday, then the title will be Juve's regardless of how Lazio performs at home to Reggina.

"I am pleased about the goal, but I am more pleased for the team because we have taken another step towards the title," Del Piero told reporters.

The Italy international last scored from open play on October 25, 1998, in Juve's 1-0 win over Inter Milan.

A knee ligament injury kept him out from November of that season, and all his previous goals this term in Serie A have come from the penalty spot.

"At least I won't be reminded all the time about how long it has been," said Del Piero, adding that he never felt under pressure to score.

"It irritated me a little that people didn't ask 'how has Del Piero played?' but always 'did Del Piero score?'" he said. "But it is a good feeling, of course, and it frees up my enthusiasm."

Parma goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had little chance of stopping Del Piero's expertly angled header, said he was pleased his Italy teammate had ended his barren spell but was disappointed with the timing.

"Naturally we were all waiting for Alex to score but did he really have to choose this game?" asked Buffon, whose side might need to beat Lecce at home on the final day of the season to claim a place in next season's Champions League.

Del Piero, whose form has still to reach the levels he reached before his injury, poured cold water on those who suggested his long-awaited goal could be the one that wins the championship for Juventus.

"There have been a lot of important goals this season and who is to say which one was the most important?" he said.

"We haven't won anything yet. We have a job to do on Sunday at Perugia and we will have to work hard from Tuesday until Sunday evening to get the win we need."
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