Italy's Del Piero scores big
after long battle to prove himself
June 13, 2002
AP
Written by Tom Rachman
OITA, Japan - A quiet battle has been
raging between three great Italian attackers, all aching for a spot in
the starting lineup. All three got their chance to play Thursday night
in Italy's 1-1 draw with Mexico, and one man shone: Alessandro Del Piero.
Italy was trailing 1-0 and the fears
of an early knockout mounted. Del Piero — the last of the three competing
attackers to be brought on — entered the pitch near the end of the second
half and within seven minutes had scored Italy's only goal.
"It's a stupendous feeling to come
off the bench and get a goal," the mustachioed Juventus striker said, sucking
a lollipop.
"I was out of the side, but I never
gave up — to come on and get the goal is great. I have felt in good shape
even thought I haven't been playing."
Coach Giovanni Trapattoni said he'd
had a chat with Del Piero a few days ago.
"He really wanted to play," Trapattoni
said. "I made it clear what I thought his position was, what his strengths
were and those of the other attackers.
"He made himself available saying,
'If you need me, I'll be there,'" Trapattoni said.
Trap did need him, and Del Piero was
there.
The Italy coach started the match with
striker Filippo Inzaghi of AC Milan, who played doggedly but was unable
to bang one in. With Mexico ahead, and Italy growing desperate, Trapattoni
had to switch things around.
Vincenzo Montella of AS Roma came in
for Inzaghi in the 56th minute, and also came close. But still no goal.
Then off came AS Roma playmaker Francesco Totti, and Del Piero raced on
in the 78th minute.
In the 85th minute, Montella hit a
ball into the center of the penalty area. Del Piero leaped forward, his
neck extended, and headed the ball into the netting. The bench erupted
and his teammates rushed toward him as he ran to celebrate at the corner
flag.
Over nine years with Juventus, the
27-year-old has won four Italian league championships — including this
season's — and a Champions League title in 1995-96. But before Thursday,
he hadn't shined in international tournaments.
The question now is whether his performance
will change Trapattoni's mind, and whether Del Piero will start for Italy
in the second round.
"Everyone on the bench wants to come
on and get an important goal," Del Piero said. "If I had dreamed of anything
in this game it would be this."
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