From the papers

June 20, 2000
Juventus Official Site

Alessandro Del Piero is the main focus of attention in the papers after his excellent performance during the Italy-Sweden match. The headline in the Gazzetta dello Sport reads "Del Piero's battle cry" after the Bianconero's wonderful display. The Milan-based daily goes on to say: "A wonderful performance. Two chances created, one of which enabled Italy to take the lead and a fantastic match-winning goal. Although Alessandro Del Piero was aware that he was in excellent form he at first seemed a bit hesitant to take control of the match and look for the goal he so desperately wanted. He turned in a great display and in the final stages also managed to get that all-important goal with a beautiful strike."

The paper continues by reporting the comments of Del Piero, who underlines that "There was good link up play with Montella and we were always looking to set each other up. We created the odd good chance. It was an interesting experiment." The Gazzetta also reports the comments of Juve coach Carlo Ancelotti who is in Eindhoven with his family. When asked who will finish as top scorer the coach says: "It will be Pippo Inzaghi. When he gets a sniff at goal he never lets you down."

The Corriere dello Sport also praises Del Piero: "He played with anger, scored the winning goal and confirmed that he is in excellent form." The man himself reviews his progress so faar: "In the first two matches I played only a few minutes so at last I've finally managed to play a whole match, in which I gave my all. I knew I would put in a good performance as even in the final minutes I was trying to score. I never once felt overawed by the pressure or criticism heaped upon me. I feel as though I have at last become a protagonist at these championships. Having said that, I only want what I deserve and nothing more. I'll continue to work in a calm and tranquil manner and await the coach's decision. The result is more important than my personal destiny."

Tuttosport describes Del Piero as "awesome". The Turin-based paper writes: "With his goal and the quarter-finals looming, Del Piero has put himself forward as a viable alternative to Francesco Totti. Del Piero's performance was stifled somewhat by the slow pace of the match and the poor support given to both he and Montella from the team until Stefano Fiore entered the fray."
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