Alex del piero biography template
Alessandro Del Piero
Italian footballer (born 1974)
"Del Piero" redirects here. For representation Italian Brazilian footballer, see Yago Del Piero.
In this article, honesty surname is Del Piero, not Piero.
Alessandro Del PieroUfficiale OMRI[3][4] (Italian pronunciation:[alesˈsandrodelˈpjɛːro]; born 9 November 1974) is an Romance former professional footballer who remarkably played as a second demonstrator, although he was capable designate playing in several offensive positions.[5][6][7][8] Since 2015, he has stirred as a pundit for Heavens Sport Italia.[9] A technically gifted[10] and creative supporting forward[11][12] who was also a free-kick specialist,[13][14] Del Piero won the Serie A Italian Footballer of probity Year award in 1998 bear 2008 and received multiple nominations for the Ballon d'Or stomach FIFA World Player of goodness Year.
A prolific goal-scorer, let go is currently the second pre-eminent all-time Italian top-scorer in hubbub competitions, with 346 goals, latest only Silvio Piola, with 390 goals; he is also primacy joint ninth highest goalscorer blessed Serie A history, with 188 goals, alongside Giuseppe Signori existing Alberto Gilardino.[15][16][17][18][19][20] After beginning her majesty career with Italian club Padova in Serie B in 1991, he moved to Juventus instruct in 1993, where he played send for 19 seasons (11 as captain), and holds the club archives for most goals (290) point of view appearances (705).
During his heart at the club, he won six Serie A titles, blue blood the gentry Coppa Italia, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, the UEFA Champions Contemporary, the UEFA Super Cup, interpretation UEFA Intertoto Cup, and representation Intercontinental Cup. After leaving rendering club in 2012, he besides spent two seasons with Inhabitant side Sydney FC; he hidden in 2014, after a spell 1 with Delhi Dynamos FC regulate the Indian Super League.
Del Piero has scored in all competition in which he has participated.[21] In 2004, he was named in the FIFA Cardinal, a list of the Cardinal greatest living footballers selected by virtue of Pelé as a part bring to an end FIFA's centenary celebrations.[22] In influence same year, he was very voted into the UEFA Blonde Jubilee Poll, a list condemn the 50 best European form of the past 50 years.[23] Along with six awards slash Italy for gentlemanly conduct,[24][25] subside has also won the Fortunate Foot award, which pertains enhance personality as well as scene ability.
At international level, Give Piero has also represented blue blood the gentry Italy national team at couple FIFA World Cups and quaternion UEFA European Football Championships, swell notably winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and reaching blue blood the gentry final of UEFA Euro 2000 with Italy. He is rank joint fourth highest scorer confirm the Italy national team, prep added to 27 goals, alongside Roberto Baggio, and behind only Silvio Piola with 30 goals, Giuseppe Meazza with 33 goals, and Luigi Riva with 35 goals; extinct 91 appearances for Italy 'tween 1995 and 2008, he evaluation also his nation's eleventh-most capped player of all-time.
In her majesty career Del Piero scored 462 goals.[26]
Early life
Del Piero was whelped in Conegliano, Veneto, the endeavour of Gino, an electrician, pointer Bruna, a housekeeper.[27] He generally played football in the grass with two friends, Nelso shaft Pierpaolo, as a child.
Shout three dreamed of becoming footballers but only Del Piero would eventually manage to do so.[28] His older brother, Stefano, for the moment played professional football for Sampdoria before an injury curtailed surmount career; he later worked gorilla his younger brother's agent.[29] Leadership family lived in the settlement of Saccon, a rural domicile in San Vendemiano.[30] While ontogenesis up, Del Piero's family upfront not have much money endow with travelling abroad, so he reputed being a lorry driver trudge order to see the world.[31]
While playing for the local boy team of San Vendemiano,[32] Show Piero used to feature pass for a goalkeeper in order nod gain more playing time.
Monarch mother thought it would elect better for him to throw in this role, as perform would not sweat, and depiction possibility of him getting skinned was less likely. His kin Stefano commented to their spread that, due to his aptitude, the younger Del Piero was more suited to playing restrict a more offensive position, suffer he switched to a convey role.[30]
Club career
1991–1993: Early career limit debut with Padova
Del Piero began his rise to professional meadow in 1981, in the ranks of San Vendemiano.
In 1988, Del Piero was first dotted by scouts, and he formerly larboard home at the young triumph of 13 to play assemble the youth side of Padova.[33] He joined the senior macrobiotic during the 1991–92 season, get rid of impurities the age of 16, near at the age of 17, he made his debut acquit yourself Serie B against Messina, mess up manager Mauro Sandreani, on 15 March 1992, coming on introduction a substitute for Roberto Putelli.[34] The following season, on 22 November 1992, he scored coronate first professional goal in out 5–0 victory over Ternana.[35] Guarantee 1993, thanks to Giampiero Boniperti, Del Piero was bought afford Juventus for five billionlire, accomplice an overlap of 150 million lire per season.[36]
Juventus
1993–1998: Early domestic near European success
In 1993, Del Piero transferred to Juventus and insincere for the Torinese club support 19 seasons until being unfastened in the summer of 2012.[37] Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that he trained with class senior team, he initially counterfeit with the Primavera squad, which was coached by Antonello Cuccureddu, helping the Juventus Youth uniform to win both the 1994 Torneo di Viareggio, and greatness 1994 U-20 championship.[38] Del Piero made his Serie A coming out against Foggia on 12 Sep 1993 under Trapattoni, as first-class substitute, and he scored government first goal in his job game against Reggiana on 19 September, after coming off rectitude bench once again.
On consummate full debut for Juventus, misstep netted a hat-trick against Parma.[39] After his promising performances, Depict Piero began to be deployed with more continuity, and be active managed 14 appearances for Juventus that season between youth matches, league matches, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup, make 5 goals, which all came in Serie A, as Juventus finished the season in alternate place in the league.[40]
The 1994–95 Serie A season saw Marcello Lippi take over as Juventus manager, as well as leadership introduction of a new arrangement of directors, made up take up Giraudo, Roberto Bettega, and Luciano Moggi; Del Piero played marvellous more prominent role for rank club that season following Roberto Baggio's injury in November intrude upon Padova.
Del Piero temporarily took his place in the pull it off team alongside Gianluca Vialli move Fabrizio Ravanelli, flourishing at nobility opportunity given to him, other Juventus went on to abide their first scudetto in digit years. Del Piero scored 8 goals in Serie A prowl season, including a match-winning defective volley against Fiorentina.[41] Del Piero was also able to pick up a rare double, and yes captured the 1994–95 Coppa Italia with Juventus, defeating their course rivals Parma in the ending, although they were defeated stop Parma in the 1995 UEFA Cup Final.[42] During this interval, Del Piero earned the soubriquet Pinturicchio due to the reworking between his own technical at an earlier time tactical characteristics, and Baggio's original style of play.[43] This commotion arose when former president Gianni Agnelli compared the emerging aptitude Del Piero to the refreshment artist Pinturicchio, who was honourableness student of the great Romance renaissance artist Raphael (Raffaello), unadulterated nickname he had used chisel describe Baggio, to emphasise climax elegance on the ball.[27] Draw Piero placed fourth in glory 1995 Ballon d'Or for cap performances throughout the season.[44] Let fall the Turin club, Del Piero won the Serie A digit times, although the 2005 significant 2006 titles were revoked theory test to Juventus's involvement in probity 2006 Italian football scandal.[45]
For rendering 1995–96 season, Del Piero was awarded Baggio's No.
10 troop number, which had also in advance belonged to Michel Platini, next his departure to A.C. City. Del Piero scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists loaded Serie A, although Juventus ripe the season in second souk behind Milan. Del Piero plainspoken manage to capture the Supercoppa Italiana in 1995, over Parma, setting up Vialli's only diagram of the match.[42] He as well played a key role smile helping Juventus to win dignity 1995–96 UEFA Champions League, grading 6 goals in the contention, and finishing as the superfluous highest scorer of the tournament.[46]
The following season, Del Piero followed these victories up with position 1996 UEFA Super Cup take up the 1996 Intercontinental Cup, attain goals in both finals, stake being named Man of leadership Match in the latter final; he also won the Calumniator Award (as the best U-23 player in European Competitions), swallow placed 4th in the 1996 Ballon d'Or for the subsequent consecutive year.[42][47][48] Del Piero along with captured his second Serie Capital title with Juventus that occasion, and helped lead Juventus catch their second consecutive Champions Combine final, although he was not able to start the match privilege to injury.[49] During the superiority stage, en route to rank final, he helped Juventus barter qualify for the quarter-finals excellent match early, scoring a neutral in Juventus's 1–0 win jurisdiction Manchester United at Old Trafford, on 20 November 1996; that was the first time walk an Italian team had cringing Manchester United at their heartless ground.[50] In the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, he came off the bench to chop a goal with a back-heel, which was unable to rubbish Juventus from losing 3–1 picture Borussia Dortmund.[51] Due to dominion performances throughout the calendar twelvemonth, Del Piero received nominations transport both the 1997 FIFA Environment Player of the Year, realization sixth[52] and the 1997 Ballon d'Or.[53] Del Piero began say publicly following campaign strongly by delectable the 1997 Supercoppa Italiana, formulation a strong offensive unit substitution Juventus teammates Zinedine Zidane neat midfield, and newcomer Filippo Inzaghi upfront.
The 1997–98 Serie First-class campaign was his best edible yet, as he scored far-out joint career best of 21 goals in Serie A, bear finished top scorer in interpretation 1997–98 UEFA Champions League pick up again 10 goals,[54] one of which included a freekick and wonderful hat-trick against Monaco in class semi-finals.[55] With these goals, fair enough helped Juventus to reach their third consecutive Champions League terminating, although Del Piero was mewl fully fit for the match,[56] and Juventus were once reassess defeated, falling 1–0 to Eerie Madrid from a strike building block Predrag Mijatović on 20 May.[57] Domestic success, however, was brought about that season, after a fixed battle with Inter Milan, chimpanzee Juventus celebrated its 25th Serie A title over their Romance rivals, with Del Piero grading a memorable and decisive dispersed match-winning goal during the moot Derby d'Italia match.[58][59] Del Piero also managed a goal give it some thought the 1997–98 Coppa Italia walk season, helping Juventus to rendering semi-finals, and finishing the time with a career best confiscate 32 goals in all competitions.
Del Piero was awarded picture Serie A Italian Footballer faultless the Year award for culminate performances,[60] and he was besides nominated for the 1998 Ballon d'Or. During this time, do something was nicknamed by the fans as Il Fenomeno Vero[61] ("The Real Phenomenon"), in comparison occur to the Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who was nicknamed Il Fenomeno ("The Phenom") by supporters of rivals Inter Milan.[62]
1998–2001: Injury struggles
Juventus began the 1998–99 Serie A glossed a 2–1 defeat in representation 1998 Supercoppa Italiana at integrity hands of Lazio, although Icon Piero was able to account from a penalty.[63] On 8 November 1998, Del Piero white-haired up a serious knee laceration in the final minutes show a 2–2 draw with Udinese;[64] this kept him out flaxen action for the remainder worldly the season, as he managed only 2 goals.
The bludgeon struggled without him, finishing righteousness league season in a unsatisfactory sixth place.[66] Juventus did administer to reach the semi-finals outline the 1998–99 UEFA Champions Association, losing out to eventual champions Manchester United. Following his dire injury, Del Piero underwent a- muscle strengthening regime in level to adapt to the progressively more physical and athletic assertion of twenty-first century football, which allowed him to compensate ration the loss of some be advisable for his pace and agility.[67] Pointless to his dramatic weight transposable and physical development during that period, as well as rectitude club's success during the incompetent to late 90s,[68] Del Piero, along with several other Juventus players and staff members, was claimed of being involved bring into being illegal performance-enhancing drug abuse;[68] fend for a lengthy investigation, the club's staff members incriminated were one of these days cleared of all doping allegations in 2005.[69][70]
During the next time under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Del Piero primarily served whereas an assist-man, providing 14 assists in Serie A, the uttermost in the league that bout, and 20 in all competitions.[71] He faced criticism, however, redundant his inability to score detailed open play following his damage the previous season, as single one of his 9 Serie A goals that season was in open play (a coping against Parma), with the pole coming from penalties.[71] Furthermore, repute the end of the spell 1, his once excellent attacking corporation with Inzaghi became less tumult, due to Inzaghi's individualism, variety well as the pair's absence of understanding and strained relation both on and off rendering pitch.[72][73][74] Del Piero helped Juventus to capture the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup that season, which allowed Juventus to qualify select the UEFA Cup; overall, earth scored 12 goals in yell competitions, as Juventus narrowly wayward adrift out on the Serie Clever title.
In 2000, Del Piero was the world's best-paid pasture player from salaries, bonuses, allow advertising revenue.[75]
The following season gnome Juventus suffer another disappointing concede defeat losing out on the 2000–01 Serie A title once reread, this time to Roma. Juventus and Del Piero began ethics season strongly, and Del Piero scored the winner on queen season debut against Napoli christen 30 September,[76] although he afterward suffered another injury and knock out of form, failing advertisement score.
On 18 February 2001, Del Piero broke his neutral drought, scoring in an departure win over Bari. Del Piero celebrated the goal by dedicating it to his father, who had recently died.[77] Del Piero refound his form towards interpretation end of the season, allowing he was unable to long-suffering Juventus capture the Serie Unadorned title, despite scoring a intent in a 2–2 draw opposed Roma.[78]
2001–2004: New successes
Del Piero was named Juventus captain upon Lippi's return to Juventus, and take steps formed a formidable offensive society with French striker David Trezeguet, who joined in 2000, take up Czech playmaker Pavel Nedvěd, who arrived in 2001.
Del Piero scored 16 goals and undersupplied several assists, as Juventus were crowned Serie A champions will a 26th time on 5 May 2002, the last gala day of the season; Juventus won the title over Roma and Inter Milan by trig single point, after a 2–0 away victory over Udinese, cede goals from top-scorer Trezeguet mushroom Del Piero.[79] Del Piero managed 21 goals in all competitions, also scoring his 100th near 101st goals for Juventus focus season, against Venezia, on 26 August 2001.[80] Del Piero too helped Juventus reach the Coppa Italia final that season, though Juventus were defeated by Parma.[81]
Juventus's title success in 2002 enabled the club to automatically dilute for the UEFA Champions Corresponding person the following season.
Juventus began the 2002–03 season by alluring the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana clean Parma, with Del Piero grading two goals,[82] and Juventus were also able to successfully sponsor their Serie A title.[83] Give Piero scored his 100th target in Serie A in unblended 2–1 win over Brescia typical 27 April 2003.[84] In picture UEFA Champions League, Juventus were placed in Group E equidistant Newcastle United, Dynamo Kyiv, plus Feyenoord.[85] Del Piero opened cause his account in European competitions that season when he scored his side's second goal score a 5–0 victory over Hustler Kyiv on 24 September, funding combining with Nedvěd and Mauro Camoranesi.[86]
On the next matchday, Juventus played host to Newcastle breather 1 October and Del Piero hit a brace to compliant his club maintain the renounce spot in their group.[87] Juventus advanced to the second quantity stage where the club managed to progress, along with City United, on goal differential acquire FC Basel and Deportivo bestow La Coruña.[88] Juventus then apophthegm off Barcelona in the quarter-finals through an extra time reason by Marcelo Zalayeta,[89] and palpable Spanish opposition again in excellence likes of defending champions Certain Madrid in the semi-finals.
Class triumvirate attacking partnership proved wonders for Juventus, as the operation overturned a 2–1 first platform deficit to record a 4–3 aggregate win as all team a few attacking stars netted in unornamented 3–1 home win in description second leg.[90] Juventus faced European rivals AC Milan in birth 2003 UEFA Champions League Ending in Manchester on 28 Possibly will.
After a goalless 120 record, the tie went to ingenious penalty shoot-out, where Del Piero finished his spot-kick, but visor wasn't enough, as Juventus husk 3–2 in the shoot-out.[91]
The shadowing season saw Juventus start with might and main, winning the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana over Milan on penalties, though Juventus were knocked out slip in the round of 16 incorporate the 2003–04 UEFA Champions Confederation, and finished the 2003–04 Serie A season in a poor third place.
The club blunt manage to reach the 2004 Coppa Italia Final, only prospect be defeated by Lazio. Lippi left Juventus at the stop of the season to side charge of the Italy public team.[83]
2004–2006: Calciopoli and relegation
After Euro 2004, Juventus manager Marcello Lippi was replaced by Fabio Capello.
Capello was not convinced stare Del Piero's fitness levels, concentrate on frequently benched him in fright of the younger, new forced entry signing Zlatan Ibrahimović.[92] Despite monarch limited playing time, Del Piero still managed to score 14 goals, as Juventus won their 28th league title, due tip off his overhead assist to colleague David Trezeguet, which proved determinative in a match against City at the San Siro.[93] Icon Piero also helped Juventus differentiate reach the quarter-finals of leadership 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, one and only losing out to eventual champions Liverpool.[94]
Several journalists and coaches estimated that Del Piero was annoyance to his best form bank the 2005–06 Serie A,[95] gorilla he managed 12 goals elaborate Serie A, and 20 goals in all competitions, helping Juventus to defend the Serie A- title.
His role at Juventus changed during his second stint under Capello, who preferred get at use him as an immediate-impact substitute.[33] Due to his dearth of playing time, Del Piero's relationship with Capello was ofttimes strained.[96]
On 10 January 2006, Depict Piero became the all-time important goalscorer for Juventus when operate scored three times in organized Coppa Italia match against Fiorentina, taking his total goal sum for the club to 185.
The previous record holder was Giampiero Boniperti, with 182 goals.[97] Del Piero also finished grandeur season as the top registrar of the Coppa Italia, versus 5 goals. Del Piero equalled José Altafini's Serie A epidemic of six goals as precise substitute after scoring in honourableness final minute of Juventus' last game of the 2005–06 season,[98] before Juventus were forcibly relegated due to the Calciopoli embarrassment, also having their two virtually recent Serie A titles revoked.[45]
2006–2007: Serie B champions
After Juventus were demoted to Serie B suffer their two most recent scudetti were revoked, Del Piero oath that he would stay leak captain the team.
He underlined that players should remain parley the team, explaining that "The Agnelli family deserve this, slightly do the fans and blue blood the gentry new directors."[99] While many diplomatic players such as Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson, Gianluca Zambrotta, Patrick Vieira, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lilian Thuram left, Del Piero chose evaluation stay and help the baton gain promotion.[100]
"A true gentleman on no account leaves his lady."[101]
Del Piero land the "Old Lady" Juventus amid Calciopoli, 2006
Del Piero's first creation after the 2006 FIFA Existence Cup triumph was in boss Coppa Italia match against Cesena on 23 August 2006.
Dru anne carlson biography vacation christopherAs Juventus played drop the Serie B for depiction 2006–07 season, the Coppa Italia campaign became increasingly important make the club in order enhance achieve a UEFA Cup faintness. Having been on vacation early, Del Piero started on prestige bench. Juventus and Cesena were locked on 1–1 when Depict Piero entered in the 74th minute and after nine in short, he scored the winning neutral for Juventus.[102]
Del Piero then came on as a substitute stem the 61st minute during Juventus's next Coppa Italia match grass on 27 August, against Napoli.
Right away again Juventus came from grip, as Del Piero scored twofold to give his team honourableness lead. The match eventually went to penalties; although Del Piero scored his spot-kick, Napoli won 5–4 in the penalty shoot-out.[103] Despite starting the season exchange a nine-point penalty from influence match-fixing scandal,[104] Juventus gained backing to Serie A as Serie B champions;[105] Del Piero ended the league campaign as character top scorer of the 2006–07 Serie B season, with 20 goals.[106] During the season, Illustrate Piero also managed his Two-hundredth goal with Juventus on 21 October 2006, in a 1–0 league victory over Frosinone.[107]
2007–2011: Go back to Serie A and post-Calciopoli struggles
Following Juventus's return to Serie A, Del Piero was bunged up in months of fractious businessman over the signing of straight new contract with Juventus' recent management.
After successfully negotiating a-one new contract till 30 June 2010,[109] he was greeted give up news of the birth elect his first child.[110] This was quite a staggering turnaround impossible to tell apart his fortunes, as only four weeks earlier, he was cast out by Claudio Ranieri for nobility Serie A match with Fiorentina,[111] and was then axed flight Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad on the games with Georgia unacceptable South Africa.[112]
On 15 December 2007, Del Piero scored two goals away at Lazio and was named to two consecutive Serie A teams of the week.[113] In February 2008, he scored the winning goal for Juventus from a free-kick in far-out 1–0 Serie A home realization over Roma.[114] On 6 Apr 2008, he set a new-found appearance record for Juventus, passing Gaetano Scirea's previous tally recognize 552 matches in all competitions.[115][116] In April, he registered figure goals in five Serie Exceptional matches, including a hat-trick remodel a 0–4 away win escort Atalanta.[117]
On the final weekend nigh on the 2007–08 season, Del Piero scored a brace against Sampdoria in a 3–3 draw.[118] These two goals were crucial, slightly it took him to 21 goals for the season, non-standard thusly winning him the Capocannonieri affection in Serie A for honourableness first time in his exceptional career, beating the likes build up teammate David Trezeguet (20 goals) and Marco Borriello (19 goals), also matching his highest rhythmical tally in Serie A by reason of the 1997–98 season.[119] He became only the second Italian insinuating to win consecutive Capocannoniere distinctions in two different leagues – former Juventus and 1982 Universe Cup hero Paolo Rossi questionnaire the other.
(Coincidentally, Rossi further won the Capocannoniere titles adore Del Piero – first sidewalk Serie B and then unite Serie A). On 26 July, Del Piero was awarded dignity Scirea Award.[120] Juventus finished decency 2007–08 Serie A season heavens third place, which allowed them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League the following period.
Before the season, Juventus executive Claudio Ranieri remarked that Illustrate Piero would have as bright a season, or an flat better one, than the foregoing term. In August 2008, Give Piero announced that he would try to keep playing finish football with Juventus until unquestionable turned 40.[121] Juventus were tatty into the same Champions Matching part group as Real Madrid, be proof against UEFA Cup winners Zenit Spirit Petersburg.
Del Piero marked Juventus's return to the competition reach a match-winning free kick restrict seal a home win be realistic Zenit.[122] On 21 October, Draw Piero netted a notable intention as Juventus defeated Real Madrid 2–1 in Turin, scoring absorb a first-time, curling strike evade distance, in the fifth split second of play.[123][124]
On 5 November 2008, Juventus and Real Madrid squared off at Santiago Bernabéu crucial the Champions League.
The Italians won 0–2, their first store win against Madrid since 1962, and Del Piero was dinky key performer, scoring both goals, and drawing praise from Ranieri, as well as Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster.[125] As smartness left the pitch after creature substituted, fans from both sides gave him a standing ovation.[126] Juventus's Champions League campaign hovering in disappointment, as they were eliminated by Chelsea in grandeur second round.
Despite converting copperplate penalty in the second kid in Turin, Del Piero was unable to prevent Juventus overrun losing 3–2 on aggregate.[127]
On 29 November 2008, Del Piero scored his 250th goal for Juventus from a penalty, in a- 4–0 home win over Reggina.[128] In the league, Juventus were mostly challenging Milan for in no time at all place and an automatic Champions League spot.
Most notably, Show Piero inspired Juventus to far-out 3–0 win over Siena diminution their penultimate game of loftiness season, scoring a brace jaunt setting up Claudio Marchisio take to mean the youngster's third goal bear out the season to end their run of seven winless matches in Serie A.[129] Juventus abuse went on to defeat Lazio 2–0 and clinch the alternate place spot in Serie Expert over Milan, determined by their head-to-head record.[130]
On 17 July 2009, Del Piero extended his arrangement with Juventus by one add-on year until 30 June 2011 in Pinzolo while training foothold pre-season, thus practically ensuring meander he would retire at honesty club with which he in operation his professional career.[131] During sovereign renewal, he said: "I goo happy at Juventus and surprise are competitive.
I want make somebody's acquaintance keep playing for as far ahead as I can and I'm certain that for at nadir two more years I option be at the top level." On 14 February 2010, Depict Piero marked his 445th Serie A appearance, breaking the all-time club record previously held alongside Boniperti, with a brace train in a 3–2 win against Genoa.[132] Del Piero finished the ready as the all-time top clerk for Juventus, having scored jumpy 250 goals in all competitions with the club, and acceptance also made over 600 lip-service in official matches for Juventus, breaking Scirea's appearance record.[133][134]
On 14 March 2010, Del Piero record his 300th and 301st occupation goals during a 3–3 coax with Siena, with the foremost two goals coming in probity second and seventh minutes.[135] Influence 30 October 2010, he taped his 179th Serie A basis, helping his side to far-out 2–1 win at Milan, parting the record of club story Giampiero Boniperti as Juventus's refrain from scorer in Serie A, near further cementing his status slightly the most prolific goalscorer slice Juventus history.[136]
On 5 February 2011, with his substitution against Cagliari, Alessandro Del Piero became loftiness most capped Juventus player, frill out former Juventus legend Giampiero Boniperti.[137] Del Piero was illustriousness third most capped active contestant in the Serie A follow the time, behind Javier Zanetti and Francesco Totti, respectively.
Hostile 5 May 2011, he organized a new one-year contract earn stay at the Juventus Platform. His previous deal was birthright to expire on 30 June 2011.[138] On 24 May 2011, Del Piero and Juventus hurt against Manchester United at Misinform Trafford in a friendly replica being former England defender Metropolis Neville's testimonial match.
Del Piero was substituted after 65 transcript to a standing ovation use up the United supporters.[139]
2011–2012: Champion regulate in final season with Juventus
Juventus confirmed on 18 October 2011 that the 2011–12 Serie On the rocks would be Del Piero's newest season with the club.[140] Rectitude 2011–12 season under new steward Antonio Conte, his former Juventus teammate, saw Del Piero glare used sparingly, and mainly renovation a substitute, because of rectitude summer arrival of forward Mirko Vučinić from Roma.
In integrity club's opening match of ethics season against Parma on 11 September, he assisted Simone Pepe's goal in an eventual 4–1 home win.[141][142] Del Piero scored his first goal in nobleness new Juventus Stadium on 24 January 2012, in a 3–0 win over Roma in illustriousness quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.[143] Later in the season, Illustrate Piero stated that he was surprised at Juventus president Andrea Agnelli's announcement regarding the club's decision not to offer him a new contract.[144]
In the without fear or favour leg of Juventus's clash memo Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Del Piero finished keep at bay a brilliant move by Juventus as they secured a 2–2 draw to progress to character final with a 4–3 sum win.[145] On 25 March, Describe Piero helped Juventus defeat Lay to rest Milan by scoring the in two shakes goal of the match of great consequence a 2–0 victory, his eminent goal of the Serie Dialect trig season.[146] In Juventus' match antipathetic Lazio on 11 April, Depict Piero replaced Vučinić in authority second half, making his 700th appearance for Juventus,[147] and redouble went on to score do too much a free kick to generate his side a 2–1 victory; the result also enabled Juventus to return to the outperform of the Serie A table.[148]
On 13 May, Del Piero in progress Juventus's final league game comprehensive the season against Atalanta, scoring the occasion and the bring down of their 28th Serie Deft title by scoring a goal.[149] Twenty-seven minutes into the point, Del Piero picked the sharpwitted up at the edge shambles the penalty box and sit a shot past Giorgio Frezzolini to make the score 2–0, helping Juventus to go unvanquished in Serie A that season.[150] He was substituted off provision 59 minutes to an enthusiastic response from both sets cut into players and supporters, as perform made a lap of name around the pitch.
This was Alessandro Del Piero's final Serie A appearance for Juventus.[151][152]
Del Piero's final match for Juventus was in the Coppa Italia Terminating on 20 May against Napoli, which ended in a 2–0 victory to the Neapolitans. Depict Piero was substituted in primacy 67th minute for Vučinić importance his Juventus career came confront an end; he received practised standing ovation from both influence Juventus and Napoli fans.[153][154] Next the game, he confirmed go off after his 19-year spell enrol Juventus, he did not pose to retire.
He then incomplete the club and became swell free agent. In total, Show Piero made a club put on tape of 705 appearances for Juventus across all competitions, scoring span record 290 goals, and accoutrement 134 assists in all competitions throughout his career with prestige club; he also scored 188 goals and provided 108 assists in 478 Serie A formalities with the Turin club, establishment him the third–highest assist bringer of all time in Serie A history, after Totti president Roberto Baggio.[155][156][157] In addition substantiate these records, Del Piero critique also Juventus's top scorer coupled with second highest appearance holder hem in the UEFA Champions League, carry on only Buffon, with 44 goals in 92 appearances; he keep to also the top scorer bear appearance holder for Juventus throw European Competitions, with 50 goals in 125 appearances, in Intercontinental competitions, with 54 goals play a part 131 appearances, and in righteousness Supercoppa Italiana, with 3 goals in 6 appearances.
He levelheaded the club's top-scorer in Serie B, with 21 goals, viewpoint the club's second highest archivist in the Coppa Italia, matter 25 goals, behind Pietro Anastasi.[158][159] Alongside Giuseppe Signori and Alberto Gilardino, Del Piero is further the ninth highest all-time goalscorer in Serie A, and crystal-clear is currently the joint all-time top scorer in the Supercoppa Italiana, alongside Samuel Eto'o, Andriy Shevchenko, and Carlos Tevez.[160] Pass for of April 2023, he attempt the seventeenth highest UEFA Champions Leagueall-time goalscorer, with 42 goals.[161]
Del Piero refused the board's waiting to retire the No.
10 shirt in his honour, saying: "I've really had so often that I would never hope for it to be retired, that way, every child can reverie one day of wearing it."[162] On 30 June, Del Piero wrote an open letter jab the Juventus fans thanking them for almost two decades robust support, stating: "Above all what remains is the fans, tell what to do who are Juventus.
That milker that I loved and option always love, that I exact and respected ... From tomorrow Uproarious will no longer be unornamented Juventus player, but I option always be one of give orders. Now a new adventure begins and I am as discharged up as I was 19 summers ago."[163]
Sydney FC
On 5 Sept 2012, Del Piero signed straighten up two-year deal with Sydney FC.
He was paid approximately AU$3.5 million for each of his regulate two seasons, and therefore became the highest-paid footballer to devious play in Australia.[164] Del Piero had been linked to City prior to signing for Sydney, but later revealed due cause to feel his memories of Heysel settle down would not have been conclusive to move to the club.[165]
Upon signing for Sydney FC, Icon Piero said: "It's a joint day for me.
I working party happy to announce that Rabid just signed for two grow older for Sydney FC. This run through a very big moment storage space me because I want deal with continue my career in smashing new part of the false where I can make uncut major contribution and help found the game I love."[166] Abaft the announcement of the snag to Sydney FC, Juventus wished good luck to their ex- captain.[167]Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi said they were saddened because of his departure.[168][169]
Sydney FC chairman Actor Barlow said: "The signing chastisement Alessandro Del Piero is top-notch big moment for this truncheon and, we believe, a important moment for football in Land, I wouldn't like to shift into the details of loftiness contract, but this does personify the largest professional sporting corporate in Australian history and depiction numbers that have been at the mercy of aren't too far off glory mark."[170]
Football Federation Australia chief professional Ben Buckley said that that signing would be crucial in favour of the growth of Australian Players, both economically and technically.[170]Ian Frown on, manager of Sydney FC, aforementioned he would build the go ahead set-up around the Italian, who would be given licence withstand pull the strings, adding: "We're not going to reinvent picture wheel here.
He's played 19 years for one of nobility biggest four or five clubs in the world, as expert No. 10 or a Cack-handed. 9. We're not going make longer change that."[171]FIFA President Sepp Blatter sent his best wishes pin down Del Piero and his another club.[172]
On 6 October 2012, Give Piero made his A-League inauguration with Sydney FC in well-organized 2–0 away loss against Solon Phoenix.[173] Del Piero scored circlet first goal for the mace from a free-kick in 3–2 loss to Newcastle Jets conviction 13 October, in his be foremost home game for Sydney.[174] Magnanimity match against Newcastle featured hero-cam, which allowed the viewer philosopher track Del Piero's movements competent one camera throughout the game.[175] On 20 October, Del Piero scored the winning goal be against Western Sydney Wanderers FC (1–0), making history with the be in first place goal in the first Sydney Derby.[176]
On 19 January 2013, Depict Piero scored four goals playing field also provided one assist consider it Sydney's 7–1 win against Statesman Phoenix; this was the chief time he had scored extra than three goals in spruce up single match, and after state substituted, the fans gave him a standing ovation.[177] On 10 February, Del Piero broke class club's record for most goals in a single season, do his eleventh goal of class season in a 2–1 dwellingplace win over Brisbane Roar.[178] Disdain his record-breaking tally of 14 goals in 24 appearances, Describe Piero was unable to cooperate Sydney qualify for the play-offs at the end of dignity season.[179] On 21 February, Describe Piero renewed his contract during 2014.[180]
Del Piero was named Sydney's captain for their 2013–14 season.[179][181] On 11 October 2013, Illustrate Piero scored the opening cause of the 2013–14 A-League course, the game-winner in a 2–0 victory over Newcastle Jets, besides setting up Joel Chianese's goal.[179][182] Alessandro went on to assay 10 goals in total undertake Sydney FC in the 2013–14 season, which earned him goodness Sydney FC Golden Boot;[183] noteworthy helped the club qualify make available the finals series, setting keep in check both of his team's goals in the final match pills the regular season on 13 April 2014, a 2–1 habitat win over Perth Glory, once being released of his cut of meat at Sydney FC.[184] His terminating match with Sydney came quickwitted a 2–1 loss to Town Victory in an Elimination encouragement at Docklands Stadium on 18 April, courtesy of Gui Finkler's injury time winner.[185]
On Sunday 10 August 2014, Del Piero captained the Hyundai A-League All Stars against his club of fake 20 years, Juventus, in Sydney, in front of over 55,000 people at ANZ Stadium.
Describe Piero was substituted off bear the 63rd minute of picture match for David Williams, repeat a standing ovation.
In April 2015, Del Piero was named lowly Sydney FC's team of rectitude decade and to the AFC team of the decade.[187][188]
Delhi Dynamos
On 23 August 2014, it was reported that Delhi Dynamos, break off Indian side that was misfortune to play in the prefatory Indian Super League season, was in talks with Del Piero.[189] His brother, Stefano Del Piero said, "During the last (few) weeks, we have received date from several teams, not single from India but also evade other countries.
There is first-class lot of interest in Alessandro."[190] On 28 August 2014, no problem officially signed for the Delhi-based outfit, signing a four-month deal.[191] He reportedly is the extreme paid player in the narration of Indian football.[192][193][194]
Del Piero bound his debut for the Metropolis Dynamos on 14 October cut down a 0–0 draw against Pune City, a side which featured his former Juventus teammate King Trezeguet.[195] On 9 December, Illustrate Piero scored his first jaunt only Delhi Dynamos goal, spider`s web interlacin directly from a free stimulation, in a 2–2 draw counter Chennaiyin.[196] Del Piero made 10 appearances throughout the season by the same token Delhi finished in fifth fall into line, failing to reach the play-offs by a single point.[197]
Retirement
In Oct 2015, after almost a best without a club, Del Piero officially communicated his retirement pass up professional football, also stating coronet intention to pursue a instructional career.[5]
International career
1995–1998: Euro 1996 promote 1998 World Cup
Del Piero shambles currently Italy's joint fourth all-time leading scorer, along with Roberto Baggio, with 27 goals delight in 91 appearances, with two goals for Italy coming in cardinal World Cup matches and development goal in thirteen European Backing matches;[198] alongside Enrico Chiesa, fair enough also holds the unique not to be disclosed for the most goals scored by an Italian international makeover a substitute (5).[199] Del Piero initially played for the Romance U-21 team twelve times, grading three goals, and was top-notch member of the team digress qualified for and later won the 1996 European Under-21 Promotion, appearing in the quarter-finals.[198] Playacting 25 March 1995, Del Piero debuted under Arrigo Sacchi bulk the age of 20 profit a 4–1 victory against Esthonia in a Euro 1996 passing match.[200] Del Piero scored jurisdiction first goal for Italy mess up 15 November 1995 in natty 4–0 victory against Lithuania family unit the same tournament.[201]
His major altercation debut was at UEFA Euro 1996, where he made jurisdiction only appearance in the leading half of the team's 2–1 win in the opening piece match against Russia, playing primate a left-winger in midfield, exhausting the number 14 shirt, previously being substituted at half-time get by without Roberto Donadoni.[202][203]
The next year, Depict Piero was part of excellence Italy team that took item in the friendly "Tournoi assistant France" tournament from 3 correspond with 11 June 1997 under Cesare Maldini.
Del Piero scored join goals in a 3–3 flatter against Brazil,[204] and scored newcomer disabuse of a penalty against France row the 90th minute,[205] finishing justness tournament as top-scorer with 3 goals, although Italy finished alter last place.[206]
Del Piero competed top fan favourite Roberto Baggio transfer an attacking spot in character starting 11 during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, while heroic to recover from an cut suffered during the 1998 Champions League final with Juventus; Depict Piero missed out on Italy's 2–2 opening draw against Chilly, and was temporarily replaced chunk Baggio.[207] He made his cardinal World Cup appearance in grandeur second group match, a 3–0 defeat of Cameroon, coming go aboard for Baggio in the secondly half, wearing the number 10 shirt, and contributing to Christlike Vieri's final goal.[208] In influence final group game against Oesterreich, Del Piero won his pull it off start, setting up Vieri's air goal of the match proud a free-kick as Italy won 2–1 to top their rank and seal a passage constitute the next round, avoiding paramount champions Brazil; he was assigned by Baggio in the in a short while half.[209] Italy reached the quarter-finals after defeating Norway 1–0, in the same way Del Piero started the uncertainty alongside Vieri once again, anticipate off for Enrico Chiesa imprint the 77th minute.[210] Italy sooner fell to hosts and end champions France on penalty kicks, following a 0–0 draw; Icon Piero was criticised for emperor performance and was substituted top the second half by Baggio once again.[211]
1998–2004: Euro 2000 runners-up and subsequent struggles
Del Piero was part of Dino Zoff's Italy's squad that reached the last of UEFA Euro 2000.
Though he was primarily used owing to a substitute for either Francesco Totti or Stefano Fiore, Give Piero appeared in every engage in battle of the tournament, and perform wore the number 10 shirt. On 11 June, Del Piero came on as a athlete for Fiore in the Thirtieth minute in Italy's opening Bunch B 2–1 win against Poultry, hitting the cross-bar from cool free-kick.[212] In the final sort out game, Del Piero started rank match and scored the warrior with a notable goal intrude upon Sweden, taking it past players before curling the clump into the top corner elude outside the area with unembellished left-footed strike; Del Piero too set up Luigi Di Biagio's opener from a corner.[213] Show Piero made his second come into being of the tournament for Italia in their semi-final against co-hosts, Netherlands, which Italy won show penalties following a 0–0 drag after extra-time.[214] In the terminating, he come on as skilful substitute in the second division and missed two gilt-edged odds in Italy's 2–1 loss disregard France in extra time, vital was criticised by the Romance press.[215]
Del Piero returned to interpretation international scene in the 2002 FIFA World Cup under Giovanni Trapattoni after winning the scudetto with Juventus.[216] He scored rectitude decisive goal from a sterile kick against Hungary, which locked Italy's qualification for the finals.[217] Del Piero appeared as span substitute in Italy's opening add against Ecuador