Don gives Del Piero hope

Don gives Del Piero hope
Friday 18 April, 2008

Roberto Donadoni admits Alessandro Del Piero is still in the hunt for a place at Euro 2008. “It’s all to play for.”

The Italy Coach had excluded Del Piero after complaints from the Juventus player that he no longer wanted to be fielded out of position.

It was thought his chances of getting back into the side for the European Championships in June were over, but his blistering recent form led to calls from all sides for a return.

“Del Piero is not a grocer, he is a football player, so it is only normal that someone who plays football always aims for the highest targets,” responded Donadoni on 7 Gold.

“That is true for everyone in this sport and not just him. It is logical and normal that Del Piero should aspire to a Nazionale jersey at Euro 2008 and the same goes for anyone else who has played in my team in these two years.”

This may leave the door open for Alex, but it is also a prompt for all the contenders to keep up the pace in the final five rounds of the Serie A season.

“There are still some tough games to go and everything is still to play for, in every sense,” continued Donadoni.

“I am awaiting responses and consistency from everyone, including those who are already doing well.”

He refused to be drawn on who would win the Scudetto out of contenders Inter and Roma.

“I hope the campaign ends on a high and does not reserve any unfortunate injury surprises, so I can have the best range of options to choose from.”

Vincenzo Iaquinta risks missing out on the European Championships after he was ruled out for three weeks.

*channel4