Del Piero has more American knee treatment

February 09, 1999
ATL World Soccer News

Injured Juventus star Alessandro Del Piero has returned to the Colorado clinic where he underwent major knee surgery last November.

The striker is reportedly making good progress afer extensively damaging knee ligament in a fall during a Serie A match. The player is not yet ready to start physiotherapy but the operation two months ago in America seems to have been a success. The Italian international faces a long road to recovery and is not expected back with the Turin giants before the star of next season.

The player's value to the Italian champions - the club want to secure a new deal with the player as soon as he is fit again - has been demonstrated by the fortunes of Juve since Del Piero's injury.

Unconvincing European form has infected their league campaign and Sunday's 4-2 home defeat by Parma AC saw Juve coach - and passionate Del Piero fan - Marcello Lippi resign from the club four months before the end of his contract. The famous Juventus are now struggling in their worst leaguen campaign for 37 years - until Del Piero was injured they were in definite title contention.
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