Elkann wants Alex in Azzurri

Elkann wants Alex in Azzurri
Saturday 29 March, 2008

Juventus patron Lapo Elkann cannot understand why Roberto Donadoni won’t pick Alex Del Piero for Euro 2008.

The Bianconeri captain has been on sparkling form this season with 11 goals and a series of assists, but has been left out of the Azzurri squad recently.

“Alex is playing as if he were 20,” said Elkann, the heir to the Agnelli empire. “He is in exceptional form at the moment.

“I don’t know Donadoni personally and if he doesn’t call Del Piero for the European Championships then I hope Italy do well anyway.

“I’d bring him, though. He has experience and the moment of magic that others lack. Sometimes I get the feeling the Federation pushes for some players and not for others.”

Del Piero was particularly impressive last week in Juve’s 2-1 victory away to Inter, a Derby d’Italia win that certainly pleased Elkann after the Calciopoli repercussions.

“It may not be the most elegant reaction, but I absolutely loved every second of it! I was only sorry for Massimo Moratti, who is a polite and kind person. The real derby for me is against Inter and Milan, so winning at San Siro as a Juventino always feels glorious.

“I speak as a fan and I was proud to see my team play so well. I had never seen such grit and tenacity.

“I won’t mention Inter, I just look at the results. We drew in Turin and won in Milan. One can make all kind of suppositions, but if you are good on the field then you win.”

*channel4