From the papers

March 17, 2000
Juventus Official Site

All today's papers run stories on Alessandro Del Piero, the player most expected to play a major role in the Turin derby. Both the Gazzetta dello Sport and the Corriere dello Sport run articles on the Juventus number 10. The Gazzetta headlines with "Del Piero dreaming of long-awaited goal". The man himself says, "This derby has come at a time when Torino are on the up. By now I've understood the importance of this fixture to the fans. Our League position should not dictate how we play. In the last few weeks I've played well, but that goal is still missing, and how!" Del Piero also brushes off the controversies surrounding ticket allocation for the match. "We must not let it get to us and make sure we win, as we have the talent to do so."

There is more from Del Piero in the Corriere. "This game means more to me than any other because Juve are by now a part of me," reveals the player. As for the controversy over ticket allocation he reasons, "One end for our fans and one for theirs is the best solution. I'm sure that if it had not been resolved in that manner Torino would have gone into the match with an added edge. If I could score from open play on Sunday it would be fantastic."

The rescheduling of the match to 3.30pm is written large on the front page of Tuttosport. But the Turin-based daily also reports that Juve honorary President, Umberto Agnelli spent an afternoon sat on the Juve bench at the Comunale watching the team train. There is also confirmation that Ciro Ferrara is still injured, so it looks like a toss-up between the two Gianlucas, Zambrotta and Pessotto, as to who plays in his place.
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