Totti, Del Piero put friendship to one side

February 8, 2002
Reuters

ROME - Italy's two great number tens come face to face on Sunday evening when Roma and Juventus clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

Francesco Totti, Roma's captain, admitted on Friday that he is friends with Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero as the two prepare for what could be a Serie A title decider.

''It shouldn't be seen as a game between Totti and Del Piero, nor should it be seen as a decisive game,'' Totti was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"We have a great rapport, joking a lot in the national team, a typical friendship in the world of sport.

"I'd like to win the championship and then I'd let him score the goal that wins the World Cup.''

Del Piero, whose form this season has shot him back into the limelight after two seasons of disappointment, agreed.

"There is great rivalry between us on a personal level, not only for our clubs, but it is always clean and vigorous,'' said Del Piero.

Champions Roma lead Juventus and Inter Milan by one point and victory will mean more than just three points according to Del Piero.

"You can't escape the fact that this game is different. Both teams have great ambitions, are the top two in the championship and that doesn't include the tension, the tradition, the rivalry,'' he said.

"We're in good form but we know we will have to be at more than our best to win.

"Psychologically the result will be important and to win in Rome would be a great boost.''
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