Del Piero mayhem

May 9, 2000
Juventus Official Site

Alessandro Del Piero's long-awaited first goal from open play has opened the floodgates. Since the Juve number 10 clinched the win against Parma on Sunday, juventus.com has received literally thousands of messages for Serie A's classiest playmaker.

"All the messages of support mean a great deal to me," Alex admitted. "I'm just sorry I cannot reply to everyone individually. But I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the fans' relentless enthusiasm for me."

Silvia R:"Finally... that magical spark. Carry on, you are simply the best!"

Vanessa: "Hi Alex, I am so happy that you scored! I knew you would and Juve badly needs you!"

Sheila, Brazil: "Firstly, great goal Alex. And to think you got the better of Lilian Thuram, the very defender you said you feared the most."

Tanya, London: "A wicked game from you and the team on Sunday. It's the reason why I watch Serie A instead of the Premiership. Congratulations! It's great to see you smile again. Just hold it until 4.50pm next Sunday... FORZA JUVE!"

Ayn: "Congratulations on breaking the 19-month drought. I sincerely hope you have laid your demons to rest with this goal against Parma, and that there will be more goals from open play with your name on them."

Lucila, Mexico: "Only one match left and you can be champions. Keep the faith, I am sure that you and your team-mates can achieve it. Good luck."

Anna: "The main point is that all along you have been playing well and it was the perfect icing on the cake for you to score against Parma in such an important game."

M. Sangiemsak, Thailand: "Great header! I would just like to congratulate you for your first goal from open play, I should say your first goal since you returned from injury."

Lucia A.B : "Your goal could not have come at a better time; hopefully you can repeat the dose on Sunday with the Scudetto-clincher in Perugia."

Raul Guerrero J, Spain: "I think you are one of the best players around and it was good to see you on the scoresheet."

Chiara: "Alex, all the controversies that seem to surround Juve have been completely overshadowed by your performance and I thought that your kneeling down in front of the fans was a very humble act. I hope you will stay forever at Juve, because you alone have the class and style of the Agnelli family."

Serena: "I was lucky enough to be at the game on Sunday and I can't begin to explain the emotion all us Bianconeri fans felt when you scored."

Ilaria: "This goal should silence all your critics. And to score with your head - that just goes to show that you can head the ball as well as everyone."

Asia: "I am Turin born and bred and I just wanted to let you know that your goal meant a lot to all us Torinesi."

Sonia, Croatia: "I just wanted to congratulate you for your total effort on the pitch. Also, I think you're the best player Juve has."

AC Jin: "After your injury, you seem to work harder than before. This is a great testament to your professionalism."

Nimrod Halimi: "It took time, but it was worth the wait. What a great goal you scored with your head! You haven't scored from open play all season, and then you score in the most important match. You are the life and soul of this Juventus side."

Lucia: "Remember that scoring isn't the be-all and end-all; and anyhow the amount of goals that you set up for your team-mates is far more important."

Eman: "Congratulations Alex on that great goal. You really deserved to score such a wonderful goal in such an important game. I always felt that when you broke your duck it would be in a crucial match and I was proved right."

Isa: "It must have been a sweet 566th day!"

Sian, England: "Well done. Excellent goal on Sunday. We will all be glued to the TV at the weekend. Best wishes for Euro 2000 too."

Sara, Asti: "Everybody's harping on about the fact you haven't scored in 18 months but it hasn't bothered me. For sure I've missed those brilliant trademark free-kicks of yours, but your performances have been top drawer."

Claire, England: "At last the goal from open play. Now all the critics can no longer question you. To me you are the greatest footballer I have ever seen play and I hope you remain at Juventus for a long time to come. Let's hope the Scudetto will be back in the hands of it's rightful owners next week."
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