From the papers

August 19, 1999
Juventus Official Site

Excitement about Del Piero, fears about Davids. These were the general feelings at Juventus yesterday, as reported by today's newspapers. La Gazzetta's headline ran: "Del Piero stronger than ever", and continued on the inside pages with "Del Piero stole the show". The player commented that, "it was a great feeling walking out to all the applause. It doesn't happen often, so that makes it all the more special. I haven't reached my peak yet and at San Siro I did make some mistakes".

Corriere dello Sport announced "Del Piero to play for Italy". Zoff was very happy: "He has fully recovered, so I will call him up". The Bianconeri number 10 is ready: "I am ready to play for the national side, even though there is still room for improvement. Three matches are not enough. I am waiting to hear [from Zoff]." His opponents also had positive things to say about him. Costacurta's comment was: "Alex can improve yet further". Weah said: "I always knew he was a champion." "Spooked by Del Piero" was the headline in Tuttosport, which printed Ancelotti's comments on the front page: "Alex is an outstanding football player. Fans of all teams can see that, which is why they honour him with applause."

On page three the title was: "Del Piero the graduate. After the standing ovation he received at San Siro, Del Piero says he has two dreams - to win the Scudetto and to go to university". La Repubblica described the match as "Del Piero's sweet return". "I now want to win," the player said. "I have discovered a stronger, more united team."

Davids, on the other hand, has caused concern. "The stakes are high," is the warning sent out by Tuttosport. "If he is deemed unfit to play, he will not play against Rennes. Will he play in the league? He is due to see a doctor in Amsterdam and if he needs to undergo surgery, he will be off the pitch for a month." Warning bells ringing on the front of Gazzetta too: "Davids might go under the surgeon's knife. The eye-drops are not working miracles. He is off for another eight days and there is the possibility he will need to undergo surgery. On 26 August he has another doctor's appointment. In the meantime Davids is training with special glasses, but he cannot play."
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