From the papers

August 21, 2000
Juventus Official Site

The papers today concentrate their attention on Alex Del Piero's impressive performance against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
The Gazzetta dello Sport in particular points to the deployment of the Juve and Italy number 10 in what is usually Zinedine Zidane's role - but the Juventus man reminded the readers that this was no new role for him. "I played there on occasion under Trapattoni and Lippi." He was hardly enthusiastic about playing in the role for Italy, however. "It wouldn't be a problem but I don't feel like being pigeon-holed." The Gazzetta goes on to underline the strength in depth of the Bianconero squad.

Tuttosport goes further than the Milanese pink, stating that Alex has no desire to play behind the strikers. "I only played there because Zidane wasn't available. I'd rather score goals." As for his being deployed behind Francesco Totti in the Italy set-up, the Turin paper carries the opinions of numerous Italy stars of the past. Marco Tardelli insists that Del Piero "remains a striker" while Sandro Mazzola believes "he could become a great attacking midfielder".

Tuttosport also reports that the full Juve squad is now together, with Edgar Davids on his way back. Zidane is said to be returning to form, while Mark Iuliano is out injured - but apparently it's not serious. Flamenco on the other hand have reported having received a massive offer for Athirson from Barcelona, but Luciano Moggi says, "We're not afraid, the player has already signed for us."
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