Del Piero pledge re-opens Cassano chase

January 28, 2001
Onefootball.com

Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi has opened the way for Manchester United and AC Milan to fight it out for the signature of Bari star Antonio Cassano after Alessandro Del Piero pledged his future to the Turin club. "Del Piero's future is with us. If Cassano signs, Del Piero will be in his place," Moggi said.

Del Piero was in inspired form after replacing the injured David Trezeguet in Sunday's 4-0 rout over Vicenza - and the news that Trezeguet's injured thigh will keep him out of action for eight weeks will ensure Del Piero has an extended run in the team.

The 26-year-old Italy forward admitted last week that he would consider his future at the end of the season. But on Monday he insisted that he remained committed to Juventus. "I don't believe my situation is a 'lottery'. There's a good harmony between Juventus and me, and our target is to win the Scudetto. That's all.

"Of course, it's not a pleasure to get back in the side because of an injury to your team-mate. Now I will try to play my best. I know in today's game, one has to be at 100 per cent every day, but that's just not possible.

"My future? I think I will stay at Juventus. As for the Milan reports, I'm in Milan to do a model-shoot for Adidas's spring-summer fashion collection, not to play. We must stop thinking about the future and concentrate on playing."

And Moggi was quick to support the £83,000-a-week star, saying: "Del Piero was courageous to say what he said last week. It's true he has to find his best form again. But he is improving day by day. We consider Del Piero to be our treasure. And we treat him even better than a son. And we are confident in his ability. His future is with us. Milan are not looking at him, we know that because there is a good relationship between the two clubs.

"Del Piero and our coach Ancelotti will stay with us next season. For Ancelotti there is no problem and no doubt. Results argue his case for him. We haven't decided yet on the length of contract extension but I repeat there's no problem."

Moggi went on to reveal that this season's hottest property, Bari playmaker Antonio Cassano, may not end up at the Stadio Delle Alpi as expected in the light of Del Piero's latest comments. The fact that Bari are refusing to lower their £22 million asking-price for the 19-year-old is also a factor.

Moggi explained: "Soon we will come to a decision about Cassano. He is a young player, and a very interesting one. But like every great team, we can't wait forever for him.

"One has to be experienced to play with Inter, Juventus, Roma, Milan and Lazio. If Cassano goes to Roma he has to see Totti playing (in his position). So he can't play. If he comes here, Del Piero will be in his place.

"The matter is also one of simply money. Bari are asking for £22 million, and that's too much for 'a young boy'. Bari might accept £19.5 million, but Juventus want to pay less. 

"That means Manchester or Milan are free to talk to Bari."
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