Trapattoni urges fans to back troubled Del Piero

March 5, 2002
Daily Soccer

ROME - Italy's national coach Giovanni Trapattoni urged Juventus fans on Tuesday to get behind Alessandro Del Piero as he prepares for this year's World Cup.

Juventus forward Del Piero looked to be back to near his best this season after two indifferent years ravaged by injury, but has recently been the target of abuse by his own fans following lacklustre performances by the team as a whole.

'I believe that all of us have developed exaggerated expectations of Del Piero,' Trapattoni was quoted as saying by newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport.

'His first few seasons were exceptional and perhaps unrepeatable. Whistling him now is an ungenerous act and the fans need to change.'

Trapattoni, who said he was learning a few words of Japanese ahead of the World Cup, is well on his way to finalising his squad for the finals, but is playing down its prospects.

'Italy are strong but are not the favourites,' he added. 'France have (Fabien) Barthez, (Zinedine) Zidane and (David) Trezeguet, although it remains to be seen who will play in central defence for them.

'I really like Argentina with (Walter) Samuel, (Juan Sebastian) Veron, (Gabriel) Batistuta or (Hernan) Crespo.

'Brazil depend on Ronaldo and if he is in the squad they would also be one of the favourites.'

Trapattoni added that Roma striker Marco Delvecchio, another who is not popular with his own fans and has scored only one goal in Serie A this season, is certain to make the trip to Japan.

'Delvecchio is the only player who can replace (Christian) Vieri,' Trapattoni said, adding that Filippo Inzaghi could become a surprise hit like Toto Schillaci, who sparkled at the 1990 World Cup.

He added that Roberto Baggio would have been considered for the squad had he not been injured last month.

Trapattoni also had good news for Barcelona defender Francesco Coco, who has voiced concerns about his place with the Azzurri after being pushed out of the first team in Spain.

'Coco is not playing at Barcelona...but I know that after 20 days with us he will be in top condition,' Trapattoni said.

'There will be six defenders, (Marco) Materazzi is virtually certain with the three leaders (Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta) and for the other two positions there are (Christian) Panucci, (Mark) Iuliano and (Daniele) Bonera.

Trapattoni's future is uncertain with his contract expiring in the summer, and he said he was not sure what he will do.

'I have a contract until the end of July and who knows what will happen. Maybe I will extend it until the end of the year. I would like to work with youngsters or maybe on the technical staff with FIFA.'
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