From the papers

August 18, 1999
Juventus Official Site

Juventus overcame Milan 1-0 in the Berlusconi Trophy last night, with Alessandro Del Piero, on splendid form, scoring the vital goal. It was a convincing performance by the team as a whole, and there wasn’t a single player on the pitch who did not impress. There can be no doubt that the Bianconeri are now ready for the start of the championship. La Gazzetta found Del Piero "brilliant" last night, "casting a spell on the San Siro", with moments of supreme invention, determination and competitiveness in tackles. This latter addition to his game impressed La Stampa too, which observed that he "showed no fear going into tackles and was committed to giving as good as he got." Del Piero himself was more modest: "It was a fantastic match, even if I did make a few mistakes, and all the plaudits are good for morale."

There is more Del Piero-mania in Turin-based daily Tuttosport. "Long live Alex" it proclaims, noting that even Milan applauded the little man after last night’s exhibition. "I’m improving," was all the man causing all the fuss would say. Alongside him, Rampulla, Ferrara and Zambrotta all picked up high scores in this morning’s papers' votes out of ten.

The theme continues in the Corriere dello Sport, where Ferrara too comes in for praise for his insurmountable presence in defence. To top it all, two great ex-players, Bagni and Giacomo Bulgarelli, have now tipped Juventus as early favourites for the Scudetto.

Milan chairman Silvio Berlusconi is one man who would not agree with that prediction. He thought last night’s result was a fair reflection of the game, but promised "Milan will win the League."

A footnote on Edgar Davids: the Dutch midfielder has finally been given the OK, and will play in Tuesday’s Intertoto final against Rennes.
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