Del Piero revels in Italy responsibility

EURO quest
Del Piero is one of the most decorated players in world football. A UEFA Champions League and five-time Serie A winner, he also helped the Azzurri triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Now, as he bids to claim one of the few trophies that has eluded him in his glittering career, the Juventus forward has also been charged with leading Italy's quest for European honours. "I'm absolutely delighted to be captain," said Del Piero. "Even though events conspired against Cannavaro, I'm absolutely delighted to have been given this role because for a footballer it's the ultimate honour to play for your country and to be made captain is even greater - it's fantastic. The build-up to every major tournament is always very different but I feel a lot more relaxed this time around."

'Hunger and motivation'
A veteran of seven major tournaments, Del Piero has played in a variety of Azzurri sides but feels this one has benefited from players, such as Luca Toni, Fabio Grosso and Gianluca Zambrotta, gaining experience with overseas clubs. "Playing in other leagues helps players mature and has given them an insight into foreign players, which is a huge plus for us," he said. "Winning the World Cup has also given us great inner strength, but success depends on the hunger and motivation you take into your matches."

Riva Record
Thirteen years after making his international debut and eight years after spurning several chances in the final defeat by France at UEFA EURO 2000™, Del Piero's hunger still drives him on. Having scored 27 goals in 86 Azzurri appearances he now lies fourth in Italy's all-time goalscorers' list, alongside Roberto Baggio and, having also top-scored in Serie A last season, now stands eight goals shy of the record held by Luigi Riva. "That's without doubt a nice landmark to aim for," he said. "That's a lot of goals but you must always set your sights high, and this could be a nice stimulus for me."

'Incredible match'
Del Piero knows Italy's standards will need to be high in their opening match against the Netherlands. As one of the only remaining survivors of Italy's last match against the Oranje, a 3-1 shoot-out win after a 0-0 draw in the UEFA EURO 2000™ semi-finals, 'Pinturicchio' knows all too well how tough playing the Dutch can be. "That was an incredible match, unreal almost. We were down to ten men and defended in numbers, with all our hearts. They hit the post a couple of times, there were great saves and last-ditch tackles, but we gave our all that day. We dug as deep as you can go, and we came through on penalties by adapting to a difficult situation against a very good host nation."