Del Piero back with a bang

July 19, 1999
Juventus Official Site

It must have been a wonderful feeling to return to action eight months and 11 days on from his injury. He knew the fans were waiting to burst into applause at his merest flick. It was important to see the club's directors present in the stand and to understand that all eyes were fixed on him.
 

But perhaps what Alessandro Del Piero really wanted was to find a reply out on the pitch to the questions about the state of his knee, the speed of his reactions, his passing, dribbling and finishing instincts. He did a bit of everything, including scoring a goal, but above all he felt comfortable. "To play a match, even just a friendly, carries its own emotional weight," he said. "I did not struggle, I just wanted to enjoy being out on the pitch and I hope the fans enjoyed it. There were moments when I started trying the things I know I am capable of doing."

Del Piero's knee stood up well. "Everything went as normal, including a bit of pain at the end of the match," he said. "The knee is improving but we need to go on showing the same care that I and the medical staff who have helped me have all taken up to now."

After the goal, the second and decisive strike following Rigoni's effort, Del Piero did not celebrate. "Those who were expecting a special celebration will be disappointed but if I didn't celebrate it's because it is not the right moment yet."

The opportunity could arrive soon. Ancelotti has announced he has not ruled Del Piero out of his plans for August's Intertoto Cup matches. "I'd love to play in a proper match but I need to be objective and get together with the coach and medical staff to make the best decision," he said. "In the meantime, there might be some more friendlies. Whatever happens, my objective remains to play in the first game of the season."

Alex is happy but remains realistic. "This was just another hurdle to overcome, a small step towards the objective I want to reach. I don't say that because I am behind, but because I want to make even bigger strides."

Club president Chiusano was pleased with what he saw: "I'm happy to have seen him back out on a football pitch. You can't ask for a miracle, that he might be in perfect condition - that would be something magical and there is no magic in this world. It is clear that the he is now over the injury. Now we want a bit of patience. Nonetheless the goal was a positive sign."
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