Del Piero gets Basle call

March 17, 2003
Channel4.com

Alessandro Del Piero is set to return to first team action after he was included in the Juventus squad to face Basle.

Marcello Lippi’s men play the Swiss on Tuesday in the Champions’ League and the Italian is included after picking up a thigh strain 40 days ago.

The Juve captain played 70 minutes for the Primavera side against Bologna on Sunday and did enough to convince the club of his fitness.

Del Piero’s return coincides with the absence of Marco Di Vaio. The former Parma man picked up an ankle injury on Friday and will be out for around 20 days.

Lippi has named a 21-man squad for the Basle trip, with veteran midfielder Antonio Conte the only other absentee.

Juventus already have one foot in the Champions’ League last eight. They have to lose by four goals against the Swiss to be eliminated. 

Juventus squad: Buffon, Ferrara, Tacchinardi, Montero, Tudor, Fresi, Pessotto, Salas, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Iuliano, Zenoni, Birindelli, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Zambrotta, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Olivera, Zalayeta.
.