Ancelotti: "Del Piero is our 'true' acquisition"

June 3, 1999
La Reppublica

Turin - Market and reconstruction of Juventus, it all depends on Del Piero. Carlo Ancelotti is restless:"he hopes to receive as soon as possible the beautiful news that between the player and the team the agreement to extend the contract has been reached. "Del Piero is unique - declares the black and white coach - he would be the most important purchase from Juve and in this moment the society is doing everything that is possible to make him stay. Other players will arrive, for sure he won't stop in Van der Sar and Zambrotta. However, it's indispensable the success of the negociations between Alex and the club". Predictions? Ancelotti is confident: "In the last days - he says - positive signs came. At least I see this way, cause maybe things turn out to be the complete opposite. Anyway, I exclude the possibility of Del Piero becoming a product to exchange". The events related to Del Piero's contract are connected, regarding Ancelotti, with Juve's market moves. "If Del Piero goes - the coach specifies - the black and white attack will change. With Alex in the pitch, instead, only one more attacker will do. That is an alternative to Del Piero and Inzaghi, and, particularly to Alex, if it takes time for him to get fully fit". Black and white market in doubt, then with Del Piero and Inzaghi a big name for the attack may not arrice. On the other hand, in "Pinturicchio" and Juve shall break up, a failure becomes indispensable. Apart from the forms, Ancelotti wants a "French" squad: Djetou is coming, Henry is staying ("We're not considering the possibility of loaning him anymore"), the coach still wants Deschamps. "I hope he changes his mind. We're trying to make him stay with us. At this point, it only depends on him. Let's wait".
.