Del Piero's back!

March 16, 2001
Juventus Official Site

After a one-match suspension, Alex Del Piero is once again available to Carlo Ancelotti for the delicate clash with Lazio at the Olympic Stadium. The Bianconero champion, in fine form, is convinced that this is not a decisive game: “In or out of the race for the Scudetto? Not yet, but certainly losing points when Roma are where they are wouldn’t be a good thing. The crux of the championship will be in May, when Roma have got the derby game and then an away match with ourselves”. The Giallorossi are off to Reggina this weekend, meanwhile: “It’s going to be hard for them too – Alex says – though, they are having an outstanding season, even beyond their own expectations”.

After the injury picked up against Parma, Del Piero has come back in great form: “I admit that this is without doubt absolutely my best period since the injury at Udine. You’ve said that, other than the goals, I am also making assists? I made them last year too, but people were looking more at the goals that didn’t arrive”.

The return to form coincides with a more optimisic outlook on his future with the Bianconeri: “The fact that I’m playing well adds security to me and the club, so to sit down, talk and reflect is easier. Lets say that our wishes and reality are closer now”.
There is also talk about performance bonuses, which don’t seem to Del Piero a particolar turnaround from what is already normal practice: “Its a multifaceted topic, we already get bonuses when we reach objectives, all it will is a calculation where you add one bit and take away another”.

Sunday’s match with Lazio is a kind of play-off, after Juve just missed out on the Scudetto last year: “That’s right, last year we both deserved it, and finishing a point behind was a great blow. Now though, the scenario is different: Roma are in the title fight too, and are going great guns. Since I believe in some way in the idea of horses for courses, I like to remember that two years ago Lazio were beaten at the final fence by Milan, and last year they won the Scudetto by a whisker, against ourselves, so….”. This is an optimistic Del Piero, who after an extremely difficult time in his life, thanks the fans and sports people for the affection they have shown him: “In the world of football where there is no lack of controversy and scandals, its nice to see there is still feelings out there. Between my own battles and the injury at Udine, I have received outstanding demonstrations of real affection, far beyond what I would have expected”.

On the subject of scandals, Alex speaks about the current one surrounding passports and refers too to the doping inquiries: “On the passport issue, I don’t make my mind up based on what I read in the papers, because I already have my opinions. In first person I have, however, had to tackle the deluge surrounding doping, having recieved accusations which were unfounded. I think that if your conscience is clear you have no need to worry. I stress though that where there are rules, they should be respected”.

Finally, a thought to the national team: “Totti hasn’t taken my place away, because in the national team he plays in a different position from me, I play as second striker. Up until now I’ve played very little, its true, but its up to the coach to make judgements.”
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