Del Piero realistic about starting chances

July 2nd, 2000
Euro2000.org

Alessandro Del Piero, the world’s highest-paid footballer, admits he has no idea whether he will be in Italy’s starting line-up at the Feijenoord Stadium but says he is not worried about it.

Squad player
Del Piero has been very much a squad player in this tournament, with Italian coach Dino Zoff preferring Francesco Totti as Filippo Inzaghi’s strike partner until the semi-final, when the roles were reversed with Totti on the bench. Del Piero though had little chance to shine in that match as it was all hands to the defensive pump following Gianluca Zambrotta’s dismissal. "I’ll only know tomorrow whether I’m playing or not," said Del Piero. "It’s a problem for Dino Zoff, but there are no fights between us and we respect his decision."

Henry danger
The Italian players, and in particular Del Piero, have identified Thierry Henry as France’s main danger man. Del Piero, who played alongside Henry briefly during the Frenchman’s unhappy spell at Juventus FC, said: "It’s a completely different Thierry Henry we are seeing, and one that I never saw at Juventus. He had a bad time at Juve, maybe because he couldn’t adapt to Italian football, but now he’s changed position on the field as well and I see a terrific Thierry Henry." Francesco Toldo concurred: "Henry is their most dangerous player. He’s on great form, he’s in great shape and he’s very fast. Of course they have Zidane, but for me Thierry Henry is their biggest threat. "It’s 50-50 tomorrow," added the AC Fiorentina goalkeeper, "but compared to France, Italy have had fewer days to recover and we are also very tired because the semi-final was very intense."

Del Piero said: "France has a great team with great individuals like Zidane, Henry and Trezeguet and it will be very difficult for both teams. France were deserved winners of the World Cup and deserved to beat Italy [in the quarter-finals] as they were stronger physically and technically. But now we’re at the same level."

My most important match - Fiore
Target-man Filippo Inzaghi added: "It will be a very close match. I’m very happy to be in the final as it’s very important for all of us. Zidane is a wonderful player, but we have to think about the others too. They may be the favourites but Italy are mentally very strong. Our team is tired but also very motivated for this match."

Stefano Fiore, the Udinese Calcio midfield man who has been one of the revelations of the tournament, said: "This is the most important match of my career. I was the last one to be selected for the tournament and I’ve never been in this kind of competition before. In 1998 I was just a supporter of Italy. France is stronger than Holland as they have more skilful individuals who can change the match like Zidane and Henry."
.