Juventus star surprised by coach's departure

February 8, 1999
SportsServer

VAIL, Colorado - Juventus star striker Alessandro Del Piero said Monday he was shocked by team coach Marcello Lippi's sudden decision to quit the club. 

Del Piero, here for a check-up on an injured knee, said: "I was very surprised. But it's his decision and you have to accept it. 

"I'd like to stress we always backed him, never let him down and always played flat out for him." 

Lippi, before Monday's announcement, had been expected to leave Juventus for Italian rivals Inter Milan at the end of the season. 

But he decided to leave early after a poor run of results, culminating in a 4-2 defeat to Parma. He was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. 

Del Piero, whose absence through injury has proved a disaster for Juventus, underwent a knee operation after hurting it in November. He is not expected to play again before May.
.