Del Piero: "Me or Inzaghi? It's more important playing in June"

November 6, 2001
Kataweb Sport (Translated by Alice)

The last time he's been to Tokio was five years ago, on December, 1996, for the Intercontinental Cup final, in which he scored the winner goal against River Plate (1-0). Now, Alessandro Del Piero returns to Tokio as the only possible idol for the locals, in the absence of the "divine Baggio", but the azzurro has his mind on next June. "For me, this is a sample of the World Cup: I think I am going to do well, but what really counts is to be on my best when the tournament begins, in June. And I am counting on that". Therefore, it's not very important that 'il Trap' hasn't yet decided, between him and Inzaghi, who will start the match.

The Japanese TV's besetting has already crowned Del Piero as the azzurro leader. "Since that goal in 1996, the affection for me in Japan has grown", admits Del Piero who, once a month, concedes 40 minutes of his time to the cameras of Sky Perfek for an interview to be broadcasted in the whole Japanese territory. On this atmosphere, everything that comes tomorrow from the friendly against Japan is a profit: "Pippo or me? It's not that important, the match will be a stage for everybody. What matters is to be on our best at the World Cup, this is my opportunity, hence I am sure I can contribute".

The bond between the Juventus attacker and the national team is made of ups and downs: seasons that have been started magnificently often end with a performance level decrease on the vital moments, as in Euro 96 and 2000, and France 98. That's why Del Piero hopes to - on the contrary, he is sure of - "inverting the tendency". "I've often had alternate situations with the national team. This time, however, the championship has started out well for me. Besides, last year I've been on the pitch and on the bench with Italy. This means that it can't be but a crescendo". The enthusiastic Japanese tour even seems to have made Alex forget about the problems with Juventus: "it's true, at this moment I feel neither the physical tiredness nor the mental one. Lippi says he can't make himself understood among the squad? He's taking the responsibility for himself, but it's everyone's fault. We'll talk it through and everything will go back to normal. I trust Juve. A year ago we were out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia; we are still alive in all three fronts now".

The friendly against Japan increases Delvecchio's confidence as well. "I didn't expect to play from the very first minute - the Roma player admitted -; Trapattoni hadn't told me anything. But I am not surprised to be a part of this group. On the contrary, today, my hopes to go to the World Cup are greater". Totti closes: "I'm touched by this welcome, I wasn't expecting it: we were tired when we arrived, but as we see this, there's a will to make all this warm people have fun".
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