Del Piero: «We want a victory right away»

Del Piero: «We want a victory right away»

Apart from the ball, Alessandro Del Piero wants to kick away any superstition. Having signed his contract on Friday 17th July (the equivalent of Friday the 13th in Italy), th captain is also ready to start his 17th season with the bianconeri, as a protagonist on the field against Chievo Verona on Sunday night. To do so he must still overcome a few small hurdles that stopped him from taking part in the last tests.

The captain wants to be there and score the goals which went missing in the whole of the pre-season («I kept them for when it counts») and which he often scored on the first match day, especially between 2000 and 2003 when he scored 7 consecutive times. He would like to increase this number, to keep up with the 9 scored by Trezeguet and draw closer to Bettega’s 13.

Del Piero can’t wait to get on the field just like Juve, ready to attempt a prestigious victory which at Juventus has been missing for too long. While awating to lead the team on the field, the number 10, did so through words during a press conference. Many were the themes touched on, starting from his physical condition.

He is recovering in view of Chievo: «I am better. The recovery is proceeding well and I am aiming at being on the field on Sunday. Tomorrow and Saturday are important days. I should be 100% fit and I hope to be available. I suffered an inflammation in my back which left in pain».

There is an important precedent: «I was in doubt even before the victory against Siena last season? Then, I hope to score twice again. We want to start-off well with a victory. It will be the field to judge our strength even though our ambitions are clear».

Attention to Chievo. «Last year they hurt us at home and therefore we can have some difficulties but difficulties are there to be overcome. Our adventure must be exciting and fantastic right from the start».

Bianconeri ambitions: «The new signings have fit in well but I had no doubt about this. Here the environment has never been a problem. There has always been enthusiasm and I will to win which we now have to field».

Ahead without any proclamations: «Inside us there is a will to win and the ambition to do so. We say so in a whisper without particular proclamations. For this reason, we must be committed day in day out, do one thing at a time and do it well. This is the road which has always given me satisfaction».

Lippi vs Mourinho: «I hope that Lippi’s forecast, which sees us as Scudetto winners, is right, just like last year when he predicted Inter. When he did so I was not offended. For me Lippi did not say anything outstanding but I do not know if there are other things between him and Mourinho».

Mourinho’s tactics: «Through cleverness, shrewdness or lack of respect, Mourinho is good at putting pressure on the other teams and leaving his team tranquil. I do not know which of these three he uses. We only make sure not to be hit by the culture of suspicion which is thrown in rather carelessly. This is an important tactic, one of his qualities. We must not be attracted».

It is time to win. «My will is always to improve, evaluate the potential and integrate everything within the team. I am convinced that I have adapted to the changes which will improve my performances. The year in Serie B was a nice one. We then did well in the two successive ones but I need more then that. I have always thought of when I would get back to winning with Juventus and now I do not want to think anymore but simply win».

No wasted goals: «It is the first time that I didn’t score a single goal during the pre-season. It must mean that I kept them all for when it counts and did not waste them».

Momo to return soon: «I hope Sissoko is back as soon as possible but I think that this team is structured in such a way that it can endure his absence just like that of any other player».

Good luck Cristiano: «Zanetti’s departure surprised even me. I hope he does well in Florence in 36 matches…He is a person of great quality and here he did great things when he was well. If this choice was made it is because was good for both parties, him and the club, and this is what is most important».

Poulsen is a guarantee: «Poulsen is a guarantee. He continued to train well and if Ferrara decides to field him he will do his part».

Wage ceilings. It is not the problem. «When Berlusconi spoke of wage ceilings I don’t know if he was referring only to Milan. I think Cellino is right. The player wages should be according to the objectives. Juventus in these last few years was always self-sufficient, went through a dramatic relegation and is still here aiming to win. Things can be done at other levels or for teams with different objectives, like Cagliari for example. However, in Italian football there are other problems which should have been solved years ago».

Scudetto or Champions League?: «We must aim at doing well in both of thye main competitions. They are different in mental approach and tension. I do not see why we should focus on one of them. We must enter the field to do well in each match, Coppa Italia included. It is our duty and should be our pleasure».

Ferrara is Ferrara: «Ciro has his own way of interpreting training and managing the group. Defining differences with other coaches is premature».

To win is to enjoy it: «One enjoys himself when he wins. I never changed in this aspect. I still have the will to play and win».

Towards South Africa 2010: «I will await Lippi’s reply for the next World Cup. I still want to do well with Juventus because in this manner I will have the possibility to wearing the azzurro jersey again».

From World Cup to World Cup: «At the moment I am following the athletics world championships. They are fantastic just like the swimming ones were. I liked Pellegrini but even Bolt is exceptional».


*juventus.com