Del Piero rekindles Italy hopes

Alessandro Del Piero's international career looked to be over in September. The Juventus forward had said after a goalless draw against qualifying rivals France that he would not feature for the Azzurri again if it meant playing in midfield. After 85 games and 26 goals for his country, it appeared like the end of the road for Del Piero.

Great form
With UEFA EURO 2008™ on the horizon, though, the 33-year-old is fast working his way back into Italy coach Roberto Donadoni's plans. Del Piero has scored 17 league goals for Juventus and has proved all season that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. "Against France I played as a wide midfielder and I think it's a role I can play, but not with the same results I get when I play as a forward," Del Piero said after scoring a hat-trick against Atalanta BC on Sunday. "Donadoni knows this and I don't think there are problems in this sense. That game against France was peculiar and I was asked to do a certain job in midfield. However, there are no problems at all with Donadoni. We have talked a few times and we have a good relationship."
 
Versatility
Donadoni favours a 4-2-3-1 formation and Del Piero thinks he could operate as one of the three players supporting Luca Toni in attack. "I played in that position against the Faroe Islands and I'm OK playing wide in attack. I think versatility and a willingness to sacrifice yourself for the team are important qualities, but even at Juventus I could never play as a midfielder because I would not perform as well as a player who is used to playing that position."
 
'Sensational'
Among those who cannot imagine UEFA EURO 2008™ without Del Piero, are Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. "Alex is having a great season," Ranieri said. "I'm sure Donadoni will take him to EURO even though I haven't spoken to him abut this. Del Piero is in great physical condition and also helps the team in defence when necessary. He is crucial for us." Buffon added: "He has been sensational this term and deserves to be rewarded. I think he will convince Donadoni."
 
'Satisfied'
Del Piero knows the best way to do that is by continuing to score goals for a Juventus team sitting third in Serie A. "I'm obviously satisfied with my goals and our victories," he said. "I would really like to play at EURO but I'm not looking out to see what the other players in contention are doing – I'm only watching myself and trying to play well and help Juventus. The rest will follow."