Juve dealt Del Piero blow
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Article summary
Juventus FC will be without Alessandro Del Piero for at least six weeks because of a calf injury.
Article body
Misses European dates
The 28-year-old Italian international, who limped off just a few minutes into the game against Roma, is certain to miss the UEFA Champions League Group D matches against Olympiacos CFP and Real Sociedad de Fútbol.
Lippi reaction
Del Piero scored one goal and set up the other for Ciro Ferrara in Juve's 2-1 win over Galatasaray SK last week and coach Marcello Lippi said: "We will miss Del Piero especially because he was in great form. However, Juve can get results even without a great player like him."
November return
The playmaker will also sit out Italy's final UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Azerbaijan on 11 October. The Azzurri are first in Group 9 and need a win to be sure of a place in the finals in Portugal. "I hope to return for the home match against Udinese [Calcio] on 9 November," said Del Piero. "It would be a good way to celebrate my birthday."