Del Piero stars in support role
Monday, February 13, 2006
Article summary
Alessandro Del Piero is continuing to show there is no substitute for experience after coming on to score another winning goal on Sunday.
Article body
Juventus have one hand on the Scudetto after Alessandro Del Piero enhanced a growing reputation as a 'super sub' by curling in a match-winning free-kick against second-placed FC Internazionale Milano last night.
Twelve-point lead
Del Piero had only been on the field for 15 minutes when he sealed a 2-1 win with five minutes remaining which leaves Juve 12 points clear at the top of Serie A. The 31-year-old forward has now scored four times as a second-half replacement this season, including the decisive goal in Juventus's last two victories; last weekend's 1-0 success against Udinese Calcio and yesterday's 'Derby D'Italia'.
'Immediate impact'
"Del Piero manages to have an immediate impact in the game when he comes on as a substitute," said coach Fabio Capello. "He doesn't need time to become an important factor in the game. There are not many players around who can do that so effectively."
Team player
The club captain and record goalscorer is enjoying his finest season for some time, despite having started only nine league matches, and has impressed many with his attitude. "I have the fortune to have players who accept my decisions because they know they are working for the good of the team," said Capello, who paired Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front with David Trezeguet against Inter.
Impressive strike rate
With eight goals in Serie A, three in five UEFA Champions League outings plus five in the Coppa Italia, Del Piero's total of 16 strikes have come at a rate of one every 106 minutes. He is also closing in on José Altafini's record of six substitute goals in the 1972/73 season. Having carried the Olympic torch in Turin last week, Del Piero could represent his country in a different way this summer. Italy coach Marcello Lippi may be tempted to follow Capello's example and use 'Pinturiccho' as an impact player at the FIFA World Cup.
'Cannot slow down'
For the moment, Del Piero remains squarely focussed on his club. "The victory against Inter was extremely important for us and I'm obviously very happy with my goal," he said. "We have a big advantage, but we cannot afford to slow down. We have to play in top gear until the end of the season." And if Capello needs a turbo boost, he can always introduce Del Piero from the bench.
