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There is no conflict between Baggio and me, Del Piero says

April 23, 2002
Daily Soccer

TURIN - Juventus FC that are struggling for winning the Italian champion's title and Brescia that are fighting for survival will clash on Sunday. This game is considered to be a controversy between Alessandro Del Piero and 35-year-old Roberto Baggio. There is an opinion that Italian national team fans would like to see one of these players on the place of another in the 2002 World Cup.

What does Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero think of it?

"This controversy devised by the media is nonsense. Baggio and I have often respected each other, and there is no competition between us. We have played the same role in the Italian national team for a couple of years. But who said that if one of us will go to the World Cup it means that the other will not take part in that tournament? I think I deserve going to Japan and South Korea. Trapattoni has never cast doubt on involving me in the squad," Del Piero announced.

With this statement the captain refutes all talks on his possible absence in the World Cup, repeating Trapattoni's words, who has announced that Del Piero will undoubtedly take part in the World Cup. He also nips in the bud all hints as if Baggio participates in the World Cup miraculously then the coexistence of "Codino", Del Piero and Francesco Totti will be problematical.

"I will play in the 2002 World Cup, and I am not interested in those controversies. Everything has always been clear between Baggio and me. To be honest, I was surprised how he recovered from the injury fast, returned to the field and even scored goals. And on Sunday nothing similar to a controversy between Del Piero and Baggio will occur, but a game between Juventus and Brescia will be held."

The run for "scudetto" approaches to its end, and Del Piero summarizes his side's performance this season.

He said: "A month before when we were six points behind the leaders, we started to think of the future skeptically. Now everything has changed even if Inter have surpassed us with one point. Our fate changed, and we also made efforts." Del Piero also mentioned that he will be disappointed if his side fail to win the "scudetto."
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