Del Piero In/Out Of World Cup Team!

[ASG]

Italy's Del Piero not guaranteed World Cup place
MILAN, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Italy coach Marcello Lippi says Alessandro Del Piero is not guaranteed a place in their World Cup squad despite giving the striker a starting spot for Wednesday's final qualifier against Moldova.

Del Piero was quoted in the Italian media on Tuesday as saying he felt he had nothing to prove against the Moldovans but Lippi said the Juventus striker was not among those players already assured of a place in the final 23.

"Some players can be certain, others a little less," said Lippi when asked about how sure he was of his squad for next year's finals in Germany.

Asked specifically about Del Piero's status, Lippi said: "I'll be frank, he is not among the certain ones. Eight months away from the competition I don't think it is right to give out the names of the ones who can be sure of going.

"When he says that he doesn't have to demonstrate anything tomorrow I believe he means that if he plays as he can then he has nothing to prove. All the players have to do well game after game -- that is the way things are."

Del Piero, who is no longer an automatic starter for Juventus, has been squeezed out of the Italy attack with Lippi preferring to play with two big forwards in front of Francesco Totti.

Del Piero watched Saturday's 1-0 over Slovenia, which booked the Azzurri's place in Germany, from the bench with Lippi preferring to play Fiorentina's Luca Toni and Milan's Alberto Gilardino with Totti.

With nothing at stake on Wednesday, Lippi will field a side largely made up of those who missed out against the Slovenians.

DEFENSIVE EXPERIMENT

The Italy coach confirmed that Del Piero will start in attack alongside AC Milan's Christian Vieri and Udinese's Vincenzo Iaquinta.

"We will play with those three up front, they are a trio that really has everything -- power, speed and creativity," said the Italy coach, who is also likely to experiment in defence.

With Alessandro Nesta ruled out with a hand injury and skipper Fabio Cannavaro probably taking a rest, Parma's Daniele Bonera and Inter Milan's Marco Materazzi should start in the centre of defence.

Moldova, bottom of the group, will be without their captain Radu Rebeja, who nursing a knee injury, and his FK Moscow team mate Stanislav Ivanov, who is suspended.

Moldova coach Viktor Pasulko said he would also give some of his younger players a chance in Lecce.

"It's our last match and we'll go into the game with nothing to lose," said the former Soviet Union striker.

"There will be no pressure on us to win, so we should be relaxed and could play better in such circumstances."

ok so what the HELL, i would like to see alex play in WC, but if not i dont want to see Vieri playing and Del piero out..that wouldnt be right. I think Alex is better then Vieri right now..What About You?

[valdanito_10]

I dont think DelPiero will take the trip.

He needs a Juve exit ASAP!

[ASG]

can i ask why you dont like ADP?

[wolverine]

I hope ADP make it :sad:

[valdanito_10]

who said I dont like him? hes a great player, and I have always admired him. I just dont think that if the current situation at Juve continues Lippi will call him up.

[ASG]

oh lol i read your thread wrong haha

[RaulMadrid7]

With Gilardino, Toni, Totti, Cassano, Vieri( :lol: ), Iaquinta, plus all the youth ready to make a difference in Italy's poor performance I seriously don't think there is room for an old legend unless he can prove otherwise.

[snakies]

Forza Alex, u can do it!!

[davor_suker]

Hes better than Vieri, that guy is a waste of space.

Del Piero still has some great attributes, the main one being creativity. Italy can still use him and if they use Vieri instead then :yuck: :sealedlip :shocked: :boo: :sick: :stop: :red-card:

[soccerates]

Del Piero was useful coming off the bench vs Mexico in 02, but I wouldn't count on him starting. Maybe he can be a sub, but if the others are on form and he is not (ditto Vieri) then I wouldn't bring him.

What valda says is correct. IF DP fails to get adequate time with JUVE then Lippi will not call him. It's only logical.

[soccerates]

With Gilardino, Toni, Totti, Cassano, Vieri( :lol: ), Iaquinta, plus all the youth ready to make a difference in Italy's poor performance I seriously don't think there is room for an old legend unless he can prove otherwise.


why are you so dumb?

[TheItalianBull]

why are you so dumb?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

[TheItalianBull]

i think vieri should be out and ADP in... but as a sub

[ASG]

i think vieri should be out and ADP in... but as a sub
yes i totaly agree but after today Vieri scored and ADP did not so i dont know anymore are they going to play any games before world cup?

[soccerates]

Well in today's game Del Piero made a good showing to keep his case open. It was his dribbling 3 Moldovans that created the first goal, which Vieri was lucky to hit since he miscontrolled it at first.

Del Piero also hit the underside of the crossbar in the 1st half with a free kick, which Vieri headed into the net however it was off sides.

Del Piero continued to dribble the right backs of Moldova with ease for the remainder of the game and looked inspired. I suppose Lippi's challenge has hit home for him. I hope he keeps his form, because even though I am hyper critical that he lost it for us in 2000 Euro and even vs Sweden last Euro, I think he is a class act as a person and would welcome him on the bench because he certainly seems to know that this might be his role and is content with it.

Vieri? Hmmm...I don't know...he may have hit a goal today but...he's almost peaked out with the NT. Maybe if he hits stride again, but in the meantime I think Lippi should continue working with Iaquinta, Toni, Gilardino, and for shit sakes...bring back Cassano - he has more skill than most.

Our next scheduled friendly is versus Germany on March 1st, 2006, but surely the FIGC will set something up before then.

[RaulMadrid7]

why are you so dumb?

lol... please explain what I said that was dumb. :D

[soccerates]

lol... please explain what I said that was dumb. :D

I think it's dumb to comment on games you haven't watched in full, relying on what you believe because of pre-conceived notions.

If you actually watched more, then maybe you'd notice that there is a heck of a lot of parity out there these days.

[ASG]

Del Piero continued to dribble the right backs of Moldova with ease for the remainder of the game and looked inspired. I suppose Lippi's challenge has hit home for him. I hope he keeps his form, because even though I am hyper critical that he lost it for us in 2000 Euro and even vs Sweden last Euro, I think he is a class act as a person and would welcome him on the bench because he certainly seems to know that this might be his role and is content with it.
so you dont think totti should of played smarter and not spit on players..or this was before that?

Our next scheduled friendly is versus Germany on March 1st, 2006, but surely the FIGC will set something up before then. is it in Germany i just saw some parts of germany v china, and china was the better team so if they play like this we can beat them 3-0

[snakies]

Italy 2 - 1 Moldova
Vieri 71 (I), Gatcan 76 (M), Gilardino 85 (I)
Stadio Via del Mare, Lecce

Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino broke their goal droughts against Moldova in Italy's final World Cup qualifier, but Alessandro Del Piero was man of the match.

Italy were already qualified for the World Cup when they completed their Group Five campaign by welcoming Moldova to the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.

With this in mind, Marcello Lippi fielded an experimental side with 10 changes from the line-up that beat Slovenia 1-0 last week. Fabio Grosso was the only man to maintain his place, as Vincenzo Iaquinta, Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero played in a trident attack.

The Azzurri had a bright start and Simone Barone cut back a cross for Vieri to slide on to the ball, but he turned wide under pressure from close marking. The Milan centre-forward also nodded a Cristian Zaccardo cross well over.

Iaquinta's cross for Vieri was intercepted at the last moment by Pascenco's fingertips, then the former Inter forward failed to make contact on Grosso's centre by inches.

Italy - and Vieri - thought the deadlock had been broken when Del Piero's free kick was palmed on to the crossbar and ricocheted into the path of Vieri, but the goal was disallowed for a debatable offside flag. Vieri's goal drought continues and he was reduced to hysterical laughter by this latest piece of misfortune.

Morgan De Sanctis was made to work hard in order to keep Italy from going behind, as Covalciuc got round Grosso and his angled drive was pushed away with some difficulty.

Vieri had another chance on Barone's assist only to be closed down, then Pascenco flew to palm a stunning Daniele De Rossi strike out of the top corner from 20 metres.

A lob from the very active Del Piero was off target and in first half stoppages Pascenco spread his body to stop Iaquinta taking full advantage of a defensive error.

Manuele Blasi replaced Daniele Bonera for the second half, but the Juve man took up a midfield position rather than the defensive role he has been experimenting at club level in recent weeks.

Vieri held up the ball for Iaquinta's low half-volley that was smothered by the goalkeeper, while De Sanctis tipped a Rogaciov effort round the post.

On the hour mark there was a great chance, as De Rossi's chipped pass beat the defence to reach Del Piero, but his lob was charged down by some brave goalkeeping. The Juventus star was booked for his clash with Pascenco and the aftermath of that move, as he went to see how his opponent was and the referee - and Moldovan players - assumed he was trying to drag him up from the ground.

Gianluca Zambrotta came on for Grosso, but it took a crucial De Rossi intervention to stop Boret turning in from the edge of the box. Lippi's final substitution saw Alberto Gilardino join his Milan teammate Vieri and Del Piero, as Iaquinta made way.

Vieri finally broke through, though much of the credit goes to Del Piero. The Juve man fought past two challenges on the left flank and his low cross beat the goalkeeper before reaching Vieri for a tap-in from five yards. Tellingly considering his current form, the ex-Inter striker nearly failed to net such an easy chance, as he needed two touches to get it under control.

However, the Azzurri seemed to relax after that and Moldova equalised within five minutes. Boret held up a Covalciuc cross for a fine angled volley from Gatcan that beat De Sanctis at the far corner.

Del Piero was by far Italy's best player on the night and cut back for De Rossi's sliding finish that was inches wide of the upright.

Gilardino was guilty of the worst miss of the night, as his free header on Vieri's cross was horribly wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. He made up for it moments later, however, as the Milan man restored Italy's lead. Gila controlled a deflected Aimo Diana pass and drilled it into the far corner with the outside of his right foot.

Del Piero was churning out assists for his team-mates and Barone failed to make the most of another inspired pass. Not everyone appreciated Del Piero's performance, as after he skipped past four challenges at the by-line, Lascencov started a brief scuffle.

[snakies]

Alessandro Del Piero was the star of the show against Moldova, answering those critics who claim he shouldn’t go to the World Cup.

“I am very satisfied with my performance, although of course to score a goal would’ve been the icing on the cake,” said the captain after Italy’s 2-1 win. “The most important thing was to play well for 90 minutes, as I’ve scored many goals in my career, so I don’t mind being left empty-handed.”

The Juventus man was in the headlines this week, as Coach Marcello Lippi announced that Del Piero was by no means certain of a place in the 2006 World Cup squad, especially if he continues to warm the bench in Turin.

“I have nothing to say to that, as it was his right to make that consideration. I think we are all in the running for this squad and the tactician should be free to make his choices. If someone has a poor season in the run-up to the tournament, then it’s understandable he’ll be dropped. Obviously I hope to play a lot of football – and of good quality – but all I can do is give 100 per cent when I’m on the field.”

The Stadio Via del Mare crowd was right behind Del Piero and he certainly appreciated the support after being such a bone of contention in the Press.

“This match represents an important step for me, but the entire campaign will be more decisive. I must thank the people of Lecce for cheering me on, as it gave me a great deal tonight.”

Azzurri legend Gigi Riva also rushed to Del Piero’s defence following the reams of newspaper print on his status.

“Del Piero was very motivated and really wanted to prove a point tonight. Nonetheless, we should not be remotely surprised by this performance, as he is a world class player and has been proving that for the last 10 years.”

Bianconeri team-mate Gianluca Zambrotta gave an insider’s view on the situation at Juventus this season.

“Alessandro has never been questioned in my eyes, as he has proved he’s on great form and tonight took people on with great ease. It’s clear that he’s not happy at being on the bench, but there are many world class players at Juventus and he’s willing to wait his turn.”

Italy have completed their World Cup qualifying campaign with seven wins, two draws and just one defeat – having scored 17 goals and conceded eight. Norway enter the play-offs from Group Five.

“We played well and certainly improved after the break, creating several scoring opportunities,” added Zambrotta. “The important thing was to maintain this good run of results.”

[davor_suker]

Great stuff by Alex, showing hes still got the class it takes to be a Juventus player.

[soccerates]

so you dont think totti should of played smarter and not spit on players..or this was before that?

You probably weren't around when we had that big discussion. If you want to read some remnants of it, you can find them here:

http://forums.soccerfansnetwork.com/showthread.php?t=34794&highlight=Poulsen

In short, I don't condone Totti's actions, despite what was being done to him.

That said, I am referring to the Sweden game and Del Piero missing another sitter (as did Vieri, but at least he had an excuse coming back from knee injury). If Del Piero hits it, Sweden does not come back IMO.



is it in Germany i just saw some parts of germany v china, and china was the better team so if they play like this we can beat them 3-0

I don't know, but I believe so. We'll see. What were your thoughts about the Germany vs China game today?

[soccerates]

Italy 2 - 1 Moldova
Vieri 71 (I), Gatcan 76 (M), Gilardino 85 (I)
Stadio Via del Mare, Lecce

Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino broke their goal droughts against Moldova in Italy's final World Cup qualifier, but Alessandro Del Piero was man of the match.

Italy were already qualified for the World Cup when they completed their Group Five campaign by welcoming Moldova to the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.

With this in mind, Marcello Lippi fielded an experimental side with 10 changes from the line-up that beat Slovenia 1-0 last week. Fabio Grosso was the only man to maintain his place, as Vincenzo Iaquinta, Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero played in a trident attack.

The Azzurri had a bright start and Simone Barone cut back a cross for Vieri to slide on to the ball, but he turned wide under pressure from close marking. The Milan centre-forward also nodded a Cristian Zaccardo cross well over.

Iaquinta's cross for Vieri was intercepted at the last moment by Pascenco's fingertips, then the former Inter forward failed to make contact on Grosso's centre by inches.

Italy - and Vieri - thought the deadlock had been broken when Del Piero's free kick was palmed on to the crossbar and ricocheted into the path of Vieri, but the goal was disallowed for a debatable offside flag. Vieri's goal drought continues and he was reduced to hysterical laughter by this latest piece of misfortune.

Morgan De Sanctis was made to work hard in order to keep Italy from going behind, as Covalciuc got round Grosso and his angled drive was pushed away with some difficulty.

Vieri had another chance on Barone's assist only to be closed down, then Pascenco flew to palm a stunning Daniele De Rossi strike out of the top corner from 20 metres.

A lob from the very active Del Piero was off target and in first half stoppages Pascenco spread his body to stop Iaquinta taking full advantage of a defensive error.

Manuele Blasi replaced Daniele Bonera for the second half, but the Juve man took up a midfield position rather than the defensive role he has been experimenting at club level in recent weeks.

Vieri held up the ball for Iaquinta's low half-volley that was smothered by the goalkeeper, while De Sanctis tipped a Rogaciov effort round the post.

On the hour mark there was a great chance, as De Rossi's chipped pass beat the defence to reach Del Piero, but his lob was charged down by some brave goalkeeping. The Juventus star was booked for his clash with Pascenco and the aftermath of that move, as he went to see how his opponent was and the referee - and Moldovan players - assumed he was trying to drag him up from the ground.

Gianluca Zambrotta came on for Grosso, but it took a crucial De Rossi intervention to stop Boret turning in from the edge of the box. Lippi's final substitution saw Alberto Gilardino join his Milan teammate Vieri and Del Piero, as Iaquinta made way.

Vieri finally broke through, though much of the credit goes to Del Piero. The Juve man fought past two challenges on the left flank and his low cross beat the goalkeeper before reaching Vieri for a tap-in from five yards. Tellingly considering his current form, the ex-Inter striker nearly failed to net such an easy chance, as he needed two touches to get it under control.

However, the Azzurri seemed to relax after that and Moldova equalised within five minutes. Boret held up a Covalciuc cross for a fine angled volley from Gatcan that beat De Sanctis at the far corner.

Del Piero was by far Italy's best player on the night and cut back for De Rossi's sliding finish that was inches wide of the upright.

Gilardino was guilty of the worst miss of the night, as his free header on Vieri's cross was horribly wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. He made up for it moments later, however, as the Milan man restored Italy's lead. Gila controlled a deflected Aimo Diana pass and drilled it into the far corner with the outside of his right foot.

Del Piero was churning out assists for his team-mates and Barone failed to make the most of another inspired pass. Not everyone appreciated Del Piero's performance, as after he skipped past four challenges at the by-line, Lascencov started a brief scuffle.

This is a great review!!

Del Piero certainly worked hard and he made Lippi, and I would imagine Capello's decision very hard if either want to keep him out of their respective lineups. He needs to play with a fire under his ass if he wants to make it, but I still think he should be going as a substitute and I think that this is Lippi's idea as well.

[snakies]

del piero should definetely get a chance to play

[ASG]

I don't know, but I believe so. We'll see. What were your thoughts about the Germany vs China game today?
all i can say it is not the same china i saw at WC, they played very well..look what i found
" Germany booed as it slips by China 1-0
Story Tools: Print Email
Associated Press
Posted: 20 hours ago

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) - Torsten Frings' 51st-minute penalty allowed Germany to escape with a 1-0 victory over visiting China in a friendly on Wednesday.

Although Germany controlled play, China had the best chances during a match in which 55,000 spectators started off cheering the home team, then switched to booing.

Dong Fangzhuo of Manchester United came closest for China when the 20-year-old's 76th-minute header ricocheted off the right post.

Without captain Michael Ballack, who has the flu, Germany could not get past a defense that kept 10 men back.

The match was likely to intensify the criticism heaped on the German team after a poor performance Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Turkey.

"With the boos, you can see the expectations here in Germany are huge," said Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. "The boys are insecure after the terrible performance in Turkey."

Sebastian Deisler and Bastian Schweinsteiger tested the Chinese 'keeper with some early long-distance attempts. But then the Germans were caught off guard and China ended the half with two good chances.

Chinese coach Zhu Guanghu has been trying to rebuild his team since its elimination from the 2006 World Cup last year and substituted freely.

Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann has been attacked for his team's recent poor performances after one of the youngest teams in German history initially excited the public.

"When everyone was screaming 'Schweinsteiger', (Lukas) 'Podolski,' I said setbacks would come. Now they are learning how to handle that," Klinsmann said. "It was hard when China threw up a wall like that, but we might face two or three teams like that in group play at the World Cup.""

[soccerates]

Yeah, I've read pretty much the same sorts of reports, and I don't think the Germans should lean too much on the excuse that Ballack wasn't playing, because for shit sakes this is CHINA we're talking about. The team that got a free bye into the last World Cup and looked very very poor. I'm not sure how much they've improved since then but results suggest that they only get victories over weaker opponents since they've recently lost to Ireland, Spain and Japan. Of course this is still a loss to Germany, but I expect Germany to do better than this.

Can anyone who watched comment? Nachi88, Pfiefe, or 90210?

[forza italia]

del piero is a must in the team ... him and vieri ..toni is a usless 3meter fool..
did u see del piero in italy game ? and with juve .. he gave them the 3 points with his amazing goal

[ASG]

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero has pushed his case for a starting place in Tuesday's Champions League tie against Bayern Munich after scoring a superb solo goal against Messina at the weekend. Del Piero is set to muscle in on the OId Lady's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet partnership.



THIS WEEK: Heavyweights set to clash

The champions' strike partnership of Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic dominated talk at the start of the season with Italy international Del Piero being written off as yesterday's man.

He struck back on Saturday, however, dribbling nearly half the length of the pitch before beating Messina's keeper to clinch a 1-0 win and extend Juventus's 100 percent winning start to the season to nine matches - seven in Serie A and two in the Champions League.

Bayern fans will not welcome the sight of the 30-year-old, who scored the winner the last time the two sides met, a 1-0 win in Germany in the group stages of last year's competition.

Del Piero was also the liveliest player on the pitch when Italy closed out their successful World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory against Moldova last week.

"It's been a really great few days for me," he was quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday.

"First I played well against Moldova and this time (against Messina) I scored - the first goal I've really created all season. I'm happy and satisfied."

Del Piero's goal against Messina was his 177th for the club since he arrived at the start of the 1993-94 season and left him one goal short of equalling Juventus's second most prolific scorer, Roberto Bettega.

He is also closing in on the all-time record of 181, held by Giampiero Boniperti.

With both Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet struggling to regain full fitness after minor injuries, there is a good chance coach Fabio Capello will reward Del Piero for his recent performances with a place in the starting line-up at Bayern's Allianz Arena.

Del Piero said he expected the game to be one of Juventus's toughest matches so far.

The teams are currently competing for the top spot in Group A with six points apiece, having each beaten Rapid Vienna and Club Bruges in their first two matches.

"Bayern have changed very little. They are a solid team and also physically very strong like all the German sides," he said. "It will be an evenly balanced game, just like last year."

[snakies]

Gigi Buffon has backed Juventus teammate Alessandro Del Piero to make the 2006 World Cup squad.

The Italian international was last week warned by national boss Marcello Lippi that he was not guaranteed to make the 23-man party.

But Del Piero responded to that with fine displays in the Azzurri win over Moldova and then in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Messina.

"Alex is doing really well at this moment in time," said the currently injured Bianconeri goalkeeper.

"It is obviously not up to me to select him for the national side, but if he plays like this then he will have few problems in being called up."

The No 10, fresh from his good performance for his country in midweek, scored a superb winner for his club on Saturday.

"The win against Messina brought a good week to a splendid end," Del Piero told his official website. "We suffered for the victory but we wanted it badly."

The captain will now be hoping to continue on his path as his club face Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

"Our games are becoming tougher as each one passes, starting with tomorrow’s Champions League clash," added the attacker.

Director general Luciano Moggi, who has often defended the player in the past, is clearly delighted with his re-found touch.

"It is nice to hear people praising him because you all know how much we rate him," the transfer guru stated.

"His displays are confirming the fact that he is a great player. His critics are still waiting for him to disappoint, but I’m sure he will have a magnificent season."

[ASG]

yea buffon you tell them..thanx

[SUPERAJAX]

KEEP YOUR ***KING HANDS OFF OUR PLAYERS!!!