Dutch press doesn't understand why Alex Del Piero didn't play against Turkey and Belgium
Italia has won three times during Euro 2000 and is one of the most succesfull teams in Holland and Belgium. With great efficiency 'la squadra azzurra' beat Turkey (2-1), Belgium (2-0) and Sweden (2-1).

June 20, 2000
Written by Martijn Kraan from Holland

The first two matches coach Dino Zoff refused to let Del Piero play. He chose a more defending tactic with Pippo Inzaghi and Francesco Totti in the front. The newspapers in Holland, where Euro 2000 is being played, don't understand why Del Piero, one of the best players in the world, didn't play from the beginning.

Newspaper De Gelderlander: "There wasn't place for the other star of Juventus, like Zidane with France, in the Italian team. Dino Zoff made a system with no place for Del Piero. When he entered the pitch against Turkey and the Turkish players were tired and there was some space, Del Piero showed obviously what a star he can be for his team."

Head in newspaper Gelders Dagblad: "DINO ZOFF: NO INTELLECT!!!" The article: "Alessandro Del Piero was on the bench for 75 minutes against Turkey. 15 minutes he played. One of his first actions was a free-kick. Del Piero shot beautifully on the crossbow. He wanted to make something clear. Del Piero is Italy's best football player. Del Piero is not in a great form since november 1998, when he was injured really bad, but he simply may not be missing in this rather weak Italian team. In the team of 22 players Del Piero is the one with fine ideas and the only one with exceptional intellect."

Comment during Italy-Sweden when Del Piero played and scored a marvellous goal: "Del Piero is back on earth!! It has been 18 months since he scores such a great goal in the national team!!!"
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