Del Piero fit for Turin derby

April 3, 2003
Reuters

ROME - Italy striker Alessandro Del Piero is fit and ready to resume his partnership with David Trezeguet in the Juventus attack for this weekend's Turin derby against Torino.

The Italian international, who looks set to make his first start for Juve since injuring a thigh muscle at the beginning of February, has scored four goals in nine Turin derbies.

'He has completely recovered from the injury,' a Juventus spokesman said on Thursday. 'He's playing matches in training and is ready for the game on Saturday, although whether he plays or not is up to the coach.'

Trezeguet confirmed his recent return to form with a goal in France's 2-1 victory over Israel in a Euro 2004 qualifier on Wednesday.

'I'm delighted with the goal (against Israel). I feel I'm getting back to my best,' he was quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.

'Torino is next on the list. On paper it looks like an easy game, but we've still got to go out and win. We can't take anything for granted.'

Juventus beat their city rivals 4-0 in their previous meeting this season and a similar result this weekend would not help bottom-placed Torino in their struggle against relegation.
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