Del Piero accepts exclusion

March 24, 2003
Channel4.com

Alessandro Del Piero believes Giovanni Trapattoni made the correct decision by leaving him out of the Italy squad.

"I’m saddened that I won’t be able to be with my international teammates but it is only right that Trap has selected players that are at their physical best," said the No 10.

The Juventus ace has not been included in the squad to face Finland next Saturday after only just returning to first team action after six weeks out with a thigh strain.

"I wish Italy all the best for the game in Palermo at the weekend but I’m certain that the international break will allow me to rediscover my form," he added.

Juve Boss Marcello Lippi will certainly be hoping that is the case. The Bianconeri are approaching a crucial phase of the season at both home and abroad.

Lippi was desperately short of fit strikers for the 2-1 defeat at Milan on Saturday when he was forced to play with Marcelo Zalayeta as a lone striker.

The tactician will be looking to have Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Marco Di Vaio and Marcelo Salas back to full fitness for the derby against Torino and then the Barcelona game on April 9.
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