Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero believes the Bianconeri are still in the title race this season. Speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport, the World Cup winner explained why the 2024-25 Scudetto race has been ‘beautiful and balanced’, the reasons why Kenan Yildiz is a true ’10’, and why winning the World Cup in Germany is still his greatest success:
It’s Juventus-Fiorentina tomorrow. Can we say it’s your match?
“It’s also my match. I’ve played against Fiorentina many times and sometimes I’ve scored (smiles).”
However, you never forget the first time: that volley goal, in the 3-2 home victory on December 4, 1994, no one has forgotten despite thirty years passing.
“But before that, I had scored against Fiorentina wearing the Padova jersey, at the Viareggio tournament. And, also at Viareggio, against Fiorentina, I scored the 3-2 goal in a penalty in extra time of the final we won (on February 16, 1994).”
However, it was that first Serie A goal against Ranieri’s Fiorentina that made you definitively enter the hearts of Juventus fans.
“It was the most beautiful of all. A volley from Alessandro Orlando’s long pass.”
I’d say you still remember it well…
“Beyond how I scored it, that goal had an important specific weight because it came in a match that changed the face of our championship. Fiorentina was third, one point behind us who were coming from a positive period after a bad defeat in Foggia. That comeback in fifteen minutes (from 0-2 to 3-2: the first two Juventus goals were scored by Gianluca Vialli) made us understand that we could win against anyone if we put our qualities on the field. And so, in the end, it was (Lippi’s team won the 1994-95 Scudetto).”
Now, instead, what moment is Juve going through?
“A moment of change. Things went well at the beginning and then there were these draws that made people talk because there were many. With the last victory (2-1 at Monza), however, the team has been reinvigorated. And also in the Champions League, things are going quite well.”
Is some difficulty normal when there’s a change of coach? You’ve experienced many changes on the bench in your career…
“I’ve experienced coaching changes that went well and others that went badly. The reality is that expectations at Juventus are high. Always. It’s useless to beat around the bush. History has its course and its weight. This applies to Juventus and also to Milan, who are going through a similar moment. You always start with the desire to do something more because changes bring enthusiasm, but if results don’t come, there’s regret. It’s normal… This is Juve’s history and we’re not inventing it now. However, the season has just started a few months ago and there’s a lot of time ahead.”
Do you like Thiago Motta as a coach?
“I’ve never had him as a coach, so I can’t talk about him. In return, I’ve challenged him many times as a player.”
And there in the middle of the field, was he tough as a rival?
“Very tough, but he had above all great technical skills and a remarkable vision of the game. If he transfers his qualities from the field to the bench, he will be… great stuff.”
Do you like the number 10 on Yildiz’s shoulders?
“Yes, I like it. He’s good.”
How has the championship been so far in your opinion?
“Very beautiful and balanced.”
Who are your favourites?
“I don’t have favourites. The fact that there’s a lot of competitiveness and balance, however, is positive for the spectacle and interest of the tournament. In Europe, there aren’t many championships so competitive at this moment.”
And to think that many in the summer gave Inter as the undisputed favourite for the Scudetto. Instead, Atalanta are at the top, Napoli are going strong…
“Inter are up there where Atalanta and Napoli are also, who have their chances. Let’s see what happens.”
And then for the Scudetto, is there also Juventus?
“Juventus is there…”
Do you miss the pitch? Would you like to still be fighting with the Juventus jersey on?
“Inside me, the love for playing football hasn’t disappeared, but time passes. And there comes a time when you have to say enough. My career was a long journey and there were many satisfactions. With Juve and with the National team. I enjoyed them.”
What was the most beautiful joy?
“The World Cup won with Italy in Germany. Every victory leaves a memory and is not forgotten, but that of 2006 was something incredible and indelible. It will always remain in my heart also for what it meant for all of Italy.”
Will the fans see you back at Juventus as a manager sooner or later?
“I was at Juve for nineteen years and they were unique. It was an incredible love story and the feeling with the fans was incredible. I’m proud of it. For the rest, I look to the future with positivity because that’s my way of being.”
