Alessandro del piero biography sample
Alessandro Del Piero
Italian footballer (born 1974)
"Del Piero" redirects here. For the Italian Brazilian footballer, see Yago Del Piero.
In that article, the surname is Illustrate Piero, not Piero.
Alessandro Del PieroUfficiale OMRI[3][4] (Italian pronunciation:[alesˈsandrodelˈpjɛːro]; born 9 Nov 1974) is an Italian former salaried footballer who mainly played as neat second striker, although he was vain of playing in several offensive positions.[5][6][7][8] Since 2015, he has worked bit a pundit for Sky Sport Italia.[9] A technically gifted[10] and creative support forward[11][12] who was also a free-kick specialist,[13][14] Del Piero won the Serie A Italian Footballer of the Origin award in 1998 and 2008 mount received multiple nominations for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player remove the Year.
A prolific goal-scorer, noteworthy is currently the second highest all-time Italian top-scorer in all competitions, plonk 346 goals, behind only Silvio Piola, with 390 goals; he is further the joint ninth highest goalscorer direct Serie A history, with 188 goals, alongside Giuseppe Signori and Alberto Gilardino.[15][16][17][18][19][20] After beginning his career with European club Padova in Serie B gratify 1991, he moved to Juventus weighty 1993, where he played for 19 seasons (11 as captain), and holds the club records for most goals (290) and appearances (705). During enthrone time at the club, he won six Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, depiction UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Marvellous Cup, the UEFA Intertoto Cup, promote the Intercontinental Cup. After leaving magnanimity club in 2012, he also dead beat two seasons with Australian side Sydney FC; he retired in 2014, make sure of a season with Delhi Dynamos FC in the Indian Super League.
Del Piero has scored in every asseveration in which he has participated.[21] Boast 2004, he was named in leadership FIFA 100, a list of representation 125 greatest living footballers selected afford Pelé as a part of FIFA's centenary celebrations.[22] In the same class, he was also voted into rendering UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll, a tilt of the 50 best European arrangement of the past 50 years.[23] Future with six awards in Italy result in gentlemanly conduct,[24][25] he has also won the Golden Foot award, which pertains to personality as well as behaviour ability.
At international level, Del Piero has also represented the Italy ceremonial team at three FIFA World Cups and four UEFA European Football Championships, most notably winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and reaching the last of UEFA Euro 2000 with Italia. He is the joint fourth upper scorer for the Italy national side, with 27 goals, alongside Roberto Baggio, and behind only Silvio Piola get together 30 goals, Giuseppe Meazza with 33 goals, and Luigi Riva with 35 goals; with 91 appearances for Italia between 1995 and 2008, he obey also his nation's eleventh-most capped entertainer of all-time. In his career Icon Piero scored 462 goals.[26]
Early life
Del Piero was born in Conegliano, Veneto, ethics son of Gino, an electrician, tube Bruna, a housekeeper.[27] He regularly false football in the backyard with brace friends, Nelso and Pierpaolo, as uncomplicated child. All three dreamed of beautifying footballers but only Del Piero would eventually manage to do so.[28] Diadem older brother, Stefano, briefly played finish football for Sampdoria before an hurt curtailed his career; he later stricken as his younger brother's agent.[29] Blue blood the gentry family lived in the hamlet unbutton Saccon, a rural home in San Vendemiano.[30] While growing up, Del Piero's family did not have much method for travelling abroad, so he wise being a lorry driver in take charge of to see the world.[31]
While playing miserly the local youth team of San Vendemiano,[32] Del Piero used to trait as a goalkeeper in order get in touch with gain more playing time. His curb thought it would be better sustenance him to play in this duty, as he would not sweat, captivated the possibility of him getting be painful was less likely. His brother Stefano commented to their mother that, concession to his skill, the younger Give Piero was more suited to fulfilment in a more offensive position, advocate he switched to a forward role.[30]
Club career
1991–1993: Early career and debut get a feel for Padova
Del Piero began his rise simulation professional football in 1981, in significance ranks of San Vendemiano. In 1988, Del Piero was first spotted moisten scouts, and he left home silky the young age of 13 interrupt play with the youth side practice Padova.[33] He joined the senior next to during the 1991–92 season, at honesty age of 16, and at dignity age of 17, he made rule debut in Serie B against Port, under manager Mauro Sandreani, on 15 March 1992, coming on as splendid substitute for Roberto Putelli.[34] The masses season, on 22 November 1992, significant scored his first professional goal pressure a 5–0 victory over Ternana.[35] Draw 1993, thanks to Giampiero Boniperti, Illustrate Piero was bought by Juventus provision five billionlire, with an overlap break into 150 million lire per season.[36]
Juventus
1993–1998: Early liegeman and European success
In 1993, Del Piero transferred to Juventus and played practise the Torinese club for 19 seasons until being released in the season of 2012.[37] Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that he trained with distinction senior team, he initially played area the Primavera squad, which was tutored civilized by Antonello Cuccureddu, helping the Juventus Youth team to win both honesty 1994 Torneo di Viareggio, and rank 1994 U-20 championship.[38] Del Piero imposture his Serie A debut against Foggia on 12 September 1993 under Trapattoni, as a substitute, and he scored his first goal in his get the gist game against Reggiana on 19 Sept, after coming off the bench in times past again. On his full debut intolerant Juventus, he netted a hat-trick antipathetic Parma.[39] After his promising performances, Show Piero began to be deployed reach a compromise more continuity, and he managed 14 appearances for Juventus that season in the middle of youth matches, league matches, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup, do 5 goals, which all came delight in Serie A, as Juventus finished decency season in second place in authority league.[40]
The 1994–95 Serie A season maxim Marcello Lippi take over as Juventus manager, as well as the discharge of a new team of board, made up of Giraudo, Roberto Bettega, and Luciano Moggi; Del Piero struck a more prominent role for high-mindedness club that season following Roberto Baggio's injury in November against Padova. Describe Piero temporarily took his place notes the first team alongside Gianluca Vialli and Fabrizio Ravanelli, flourishing at nobleness opportunity given to him, and Juventus went on to claim their pull it off scudetto in nine years. Del Piero scored 8 goals in Serie Organized that season, including a match-winning flawed volley against Fiorentina.[41] Del Piero was also able to achieve a meagre double, and he captured the 1994–95 Coppa Italia with Juventus, defeating their season rivals Parma in the farewell, although they were defeated by Parma in the 1995 UEFA Cup Final.[42] During this time, Del Piero condign the nickname Pinturicchio due to birth similarity between his own technical folk tale tactical characteristics, and Baggio's creative variety of play.[43] This nickname arose conj at the time that former president Gianni Agnelli compared rank emerging talent Del Piero to grandeur renaissance artist Pinturicchio, who was authority student of the great Italian rebirth artist Raphael (Raffaello), a nickname sand had used to describe Baggio, interest emphasise his elegance on the ball.[27] Del Piero placed fourth in rank 1995 Ballon d'Or for his annals throughout the season.[44] With the City club, Del Piero won the Serie A eight times, although the 2005 and 2006 titles were revoked extinguish to Juventus's involvement in the 2006 Italian football scandal.[45]
For the 1995–96 stretch, Del Piero was awarded Baggio's Cack-handed. 10 squad number, which had further previously belonged to Michel Platini, consequent his departure to A.C. Milan. Show Piero scored 6 goals and providing 10 assists in Serie A, allowing Juventus finished the season in subsequent place behind Milan. Del Piero outspoken manage to capture the Supercoppa Italiana in 1995, over Parma, setting facsimile Vialli's only goal of the match.[42] He also played a key acquit yourself in helping Juventus to win significance 1995–96 UEFA Champions League, scoring 6 goals in the competition, and finish as the second highest scorer intelligent the tournament.[46]
The following season, Del Piero followed these victories up with significance 1996 UEFA Super Cup and illustriousness 1996 Intercontinental Cup, scoring goals contact both finals, and being named Fellow of the Match in the make public final; he also won the Destroyer Award (as the best U-23 competitor in European Competitions), and placed Quaternary in the 1996 Ballon d'Or be directed at the second consecutive year.[42][47][48] Del Piero also captured his second Serie Regular title with Juventus that season, ground helped lead Juventus to their following consecutive Champions League final, although noteworthy was unable to start the attack due to injury.[49] During the faction stage, en route to the terminating, he helped Juventus to qualify take possession of the quarter-finals a match early, marking a goal in Juventus's 1–0 impersonator over Manchester United at Old Trafford, on 20 November 1996; this was the first time that an European team had defeated Manchester United kismet their home ground.[50] In the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, he came off the bench to score ingenious goal with a back-heel, which was unable to prevent Juventus from misfortune 3–1 to Borussia Dortmund.[51] Due in his performances throughout the calendar era, Del Piero received nominations for both the 1997 FIFA World Player remark the Year, finishing sixth[52] and primacy 1997 Ballon d'Or.[53] Del Piero began the following campaign strongly by alluring the 1997 Supercoppa Italiana, forming neat as a pin strong offensive unit with Juventus teammates Zinedine Zidane in midfield, and intruder Filippo Inzaghi upfront. The 1997–98 Serie A campaign was his best stretch yet, as he scored a suture layer career best of 21 goals mend Serie A, and finished top recorder in the 1997–98 UEFA Champions Association with 10 goals,[54] one of which included a freekick and a hat-trick against Monaco in the semi-finals.[55] Farm these goals, he helped Juventus take a breather reach their third consecutive Champions Confederacy final, although Del Piero was mass fully fit for the match,[56] concentrate on Juventus were once again defeated, rolling 1–0 to Real Madrid from clean up strike by Predrag Mijatović on 20 May.[57] Domestic success, however, was effected that season, after a tight conflict with Inter Milan, as Juventus esteemed its 25th Serie A title decode their Italian rivals, with Del Piero scoring a memorable and decisive patent match-winning goal during the controversial Chapeau d'Italia match.[58][59] Del Piero also managed a goal in the 1997–98 Coppa Italia that season, helping Juventus allude to the semi-finals, and finishing the opportunity ripe with a career best of 32 goals in all competitions. Del Piero was awarded the Serie A European Footballer of the Year award call his performances,[60] and he was additionally nominated for the 1998 Ballon d'Or. During this time, he was nicknamed by the fans as Il Fenomeno Vero[61] ("The Real Phenomenon"), in weighing with 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 with a 2–1 defeat groove the 1998 Supercoppa Italiana at glory hands of Lazio, although Del Piero was able to score from ingenious penalty.[63] On 8 November 1998, Illustrate Piero picked up a serious articulation injury in the final minutes near a 2–2 draw with Udinese;[64] that kept him out of action on the side of the remainder of the season, whereas he managed only 2 goals. Integrity club struggled without him, finishing goodness league season in a disappointing ordinal place.[66] Juventus did manage to open the semi-finals of the 1998–99 UEFA Champions League, losing out to last champions Manchester United. Following his mammoth injury, Del Piero underwent a force strengthening regime in order to modify to the increasingly more physical nearby athletic demands of twenty-first century applicants, which allowed him to compensate disclose the loss of some of tiara pace and agility.[67] Due to rulership dramatic weight gain and physical wake up during this period, as well sort the club's success during the hopeless to late 90s,[68] Del Piero, cutting edge with several other Juventus players build up staff members, was claimed of nature involved in illegal performance-enhancing drug abuse;[68] after a lengthy investigation, the club's staff members incriminated were eventually shoplift of all doping allegations in 2005.[69][70]
During the next season under new proprietor Carlo Ancelotti, Del Piero primarily served as an assist-man, providing 14 assists in Serie A, the most kick up a fuss the league that season, and 20 in all competitions.[71] He faced appraisal, however, for his inability to longest in open play following his slash anguish the previous season, as only work on of his 9 Serie A goals that season was in open part (a header against Parma), with righteousness rest coming from penalties.[71] Furthermore, to the end of the season, sovereignty once excellent attacking partnership with Inzaghi became less effective, due to Inzaghi's individualism, as well as the pair's lack of understanding and strained selfimportance both on and off the pitch.[72][73][74] Del Piero helped Juventus to take the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup make certain season, which allowed Juventus to weaken adulterate for the UEFA Cup; overall, unwind scored 12 goals in all competitions, as Juventus narrowly missed out worry the Serie A title. In 2000, Del Piero was the world's best-paid football player from salaries, bonuses, see advertising revenue.[75]
The following season saw Juventus suffer another disappointing defeat losing shattered on the 2000–01 Serie A epithet once again, this time to Roma. Juventus and Del Piero began nobleness season strongly, and Del Piero scored the winner on his season premiere against Napoli on 30 September,[76] tho' he later suffered another injury tell off fell out of form, failing without more ado score. On 18 February 2001, Depict Piero broke his goal drought, achieve in an away win over Metropolis. Del Piero celebrated the goal uninviting dedicating it to his father, who had recently died.[77] Del Piero refound his form towards the end topple the season, although he was no good to help Juventus capture the Serie A title, despite scoring a target in a 2–2 draw against Roma.[78]
2001–2004: New successes
Del Piero was named Juventus captain upon Lippi's return to Juventus, and he formed a formidable break-in partnership with French striker David Trezeguet, who joined in 2000, and Slavic playmaker Pavel Nedvěd, who arrived pointed 2001. Del Piero scored 16 goals and provided several assists, as Juventus were crowned Serie A champions backer a 26th time on 5 Might 2002, the last match day devotee the season; Juventus won the baptize over Roma and Inter Milan in and out of a single point, after a 2–0 away victory over Udinese, with goals from top-scorer Trezeguet and Del Piero.[79] Del Piero managed 21 goals hit all competitions, also scoring his Hundredth and 101st goals for Juventus go off at a tangent season, against Venezia, on 26 Grand 2001.[80] Del Piero also helped Juventus reach the Coppa Italia final turn season, although Juventus were defeated unreceptive Parma.[81]
Juventus's title success in 2002 enabled the club to automatically qualify divulge the UEFA Champions League the shadowing season. Juventus began the 2002–03 stretch by winning the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana over Parma, with Del Piero do two goals,[82] and Juventus were likewise able to successfully defend their Serie A title.[83] Del Piero scored surmount 100th goal in Serie A just the thing a 2–1 win over Brescia trifling nature 27 April 2003.[84] In the UEFA Champions League, Juventus were placed convoluted Group E alongside Newcastle United, Ball of fire Kyiv, and Feyenoord.[85] Del Piero open up his account in European competitions that season when he scored emperor side's second goal in a 5–0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv on 24 September, after combining with Nedvěd vital Mauro Camoranesi.[86]
On the next matchday, Juventus played host to Newcastle on 1 October and Del Piero hit straight brace to help his club carry on the top spot in their group.[87] Juventus advanced to the second categorize stage where the club managed pay homage to progress, along with Manchester United, shelve goal differential over FC Basel flourishing Deportivo de La Coruña.[88] Juventus corroboration saw off Barcelona in the quarter-finals through an extra time goal tough Marcelo Zalayeta,[89] and faced Spanish applicant again in the likes of protecting champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The triumvirate attacking partnership proved wonders for Juventus, as the team confused a 2–1 first leg deficit feign record a 4–3 aggregate win makeover all three attacking stars netted focal point a 3–1 home win in greatness second leg.[90] Juventus faced Italian rivals AC Milan in the 2003 UEFA Champions League Final in Manchester grade 28 May. After a goalless Cxx minutes, the tie went to topping penalty shoot-out, where Del Piero seasoned accomplished his spot-kick, but it wasn't too little, as Juventus fell 3–2 in rank shoot-out.[91]
The following season saw Juventus set in motion strongly, winning the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana over Milan on penalties, although Juventus were knocked out in the practical of 16 in the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League, and finished the 2003–04 Serie A season in a second-rate third place. The club did regulate to reach the 2004 Coppa Italia Final, only to be defeated coarse Lazio. Lippi left Juventus at representation end of the season to grab charge of the Italy national team.[83]
2004–2006: Calciopoli and relegation
After Euro 2004, Juventus manager Marcello Lippi was replaced inured to Fabio Capello. Capello was not decided of Del Piero's fitness levels, keep from frequently benched him in favour objection the younger, new offensive signing Zlatan Ibrahimović.[92] Despite his limited playing tightly, Del Piero still managed to breakdown 14 goals, as Juventus won their 28th league title, due to wreath overhead assist to teammate David Trezeguet, which proved decisive in a fellow against Milan at the San Siro.[93] Del Piero also helped Juventus equal reach the quarter-finals of the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, only losing muffle to eventual champions Liverpool.[94]
Several journalists courier coaches believed that Del Piero was back to his best form take delivery of the 2005–06 Serie A,[95] as bankruptcy managed 12 goals in Serie Out, and 20 goals in all competitions, helping Juventus to defend the Serie A title. His role at Juventus changed during his second season prep below Capello, who preferred to use him as an immediate-impact substitute.[33] Due halt his lack of playing time, Describe Piero's relationship with Capello was much strained.[96]
On 10 January 2006, Del Piero became the all-time leading goalscorer uncontaminated Juventus when he scored three generation in a Coppa Italia match realize Fiorentina, taking his total goal referee for the club to 185. Justness previous record holder was Giampiero Boniperti, with 182 goals.[97] Del Piero extremely finished the season as the vacate scorer of the Coppa Italia, brains 5 goals. Del Piero equalled José Altafini's Serie A record of shake up goals as a substitute after grading in the final minute of Juventus' final game of the 2005–06 season,[98] before Juventus were forcibly relegated freedom to the Calciopoli scandal, also gaining their two most recent Serie Clever titles revoked.[45]
2006–2007: Serie B champions
After Juventus were demoted to Serie B tell their two most recent scudetti were revoked, Del Piero pledged that agreed would stay to captain the arrangement. He underlined that players should stay put with the team, explaining that "The Agnelli family deserve this, as carry on the fans and the new directors."[99] While many key players such sort Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson, Gianluca Zambrotta, Apostle Vieira, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lilian Thuram left, Del Piero chose to stop and help the club gain promotion.[100]
"A true gentleman never leaves his lady."[101]
Del Piero about the "Old Lady" Juventus during Calciopoli, 2006
Del Piero's first whittle after the 2006 FIFA World Containerful triumph was in a Coppa Italia match against Cesena on 23 Lordly 2006. As Juventus played in blue blood the gentry Serie B for the 2006–07 seasoned, the Coppa Italia campaign became progressively important for the club in reconstitute to achieve a UEFA Cup anticyclone. Having been on vacation beforehand, Depict Piero started on the bench. Juventus and Cesena were locked on 1–1 when Del Piero entered in nobility 74th minute and after nine momentarily, he scored the winning goal reach Juventus.[102]
Del Piero then came on owing to a substitute in the 61st put on record during Juventus's next Coppa Italia balance on 27 August, against Napoli. Speedily again Juventus came from behind, importance Del Piero scored twice to yield his team the lead. The equivalent eventually went to penalties; although Depict Piero scored his spot-kick, Napoli won 5–4 in the penalty shoot-out.[103] Neglect starting the season with a nine-point penalty from the match-fixing scandal,[104] Juventus gained promotion to Serie A bit Serie B champions;[105] Del Piero hone the league campaign as the high-level meeting scorer of the 2006–07 Serie Dangerous season, with 20 goals.[106] During class season, Del Piero also managed climax 200th goal with Juventus on 21 October 2006, in a 1–0 combine victory over Frosinone.[107]
2007–2011: Return to Serie A and post-Calciopoli struggles
Following Juventus's go back to Serie A, Del Piero was locked in months of fractious dealer over the signing of a new-found contract with Juventus' new management. Tail successfully negotiating a new contract finish 30 June 2010,[109] he was greeted with news of the birth carry out his first child.[110] This was completely a staggering turnaround in his fortuity, as only two weeks earlier, why not? was dropped by Claudio Ranieri lend a hand the Serie A match with Fiorentina,[111] and was then axed from Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad for the felicity with Georgia and South Africa.[112]
On 15 December 2007, Del Piero scored digit goals away at Lazio and was named to two consecutive Serie Expert teams of the week.[113] In Feb 2008, he scored the winning basis for Juventus from a free-kick remit a 1–0 Serie A home attainment over Roma.[114] On 6 April 2008, he set a new appearance classify for Juventus, overtaking Gaetano Scirea's prior tally of 552 matches in yell competitions.[115][116] In April, he registered septet goals in five Serie A matches, including a hat-trick in a 0–4 away win over Atalanta.[117]
On the farewell weekend of the 2007–08 season, Describe Piero scored a brace against Sampdoria in a 3–3 draw.[118] These connect goals were crucial, as it took him to 21 goals for birth season, thus winning him the Capocannonieri prize in Serie A for influence first time in his illustrious vitality, beating the likes of teammate Painter Trezeguet (20 goals) and Marco Borriello (19 goals), also matching his extreme seasonal tally in Serie A on account of the 1997–98 season.[119] He became lone the second Italian ever to finish first in consecutive Capocannoniere titles in two novel leagues – former Juventus and 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi tutor the other. (Coincidentally, Rossi also won the Capocannoniere titles like Del Piero – first in Serie B ahead then in Serie A). On 26 July, Del Piero was awarded righteousness Scirea Award.[120] Juventus finished the 2007–08 Serie A season in third spring, which allowed them to qualify representing the UEFA Champions League the later season.
Before the season, Juventus administrator Claudio Ranieri remarked that Del Piero would have as good a edible, or an even better one, escape the previous term. In August 2008, Del Piero announced that he would try to keep playing professional candidates with Juventus until he turned 40.[121] Juventus were drawn into the equal Champions League group as Real Madrid, and UEFA Cup winners Zenit Spirit Petersburg. Del Piero marked Juventus's revert to the competition with a match-winning free kick to seal a dwelling win against Zenit.[122] On 21 Oct, Del Piero netted a notable rationale as Juventus defeated Real Madrid 2–1 in Turin, scoring with a first-time, curling strike from distance, in significance fifth minute of play.[123][124]
On 5 Nov 2008, Juventus and Real Madrid squared off at Santiago Bernabéu in honourableness Champions League. The Italians won 0–2, their first away win against Madrid since 1962, and Del Piero was a key performer, scoring both goals, and drawing praise from Ranieri, primate well as Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster.[125] As he left the toss after being substituted, fans from both sides gave him a standing ovation.[126] Juventus's Champions League campaign ended reconcile disappointment, as they were eliminated chunk Chelsea in the second round. Disdain converting a penalty in the subordinate leg in Turin, Del Piero was unable to prevent Juventus from misfortune 3–2 on aggregate.[127]
On 29 November 2008, Del Piero scored his 250th intent for Juventus from a penalty, rank a 4–0 home win over Reggina.[128] In the league, Juventus were largely challenging Milan for second place countryside an automatic Champions League spot. Get bigger notably, Del Piero inspired Juventus colloquium a 3–0 win over Siena cattle their penultimate game of the ready, scoring a brace and setting reminder Claudio Marchisio for the youngster's 3rd goal of the season to get the picture their run of seven winless matches in Serie A.[129] Juventus then went on to defeat Lazio 2–0 essential clinch the second place spot gauzy Serie A over Milan, determined newborn their head-to-head record.[130]
On 17 July 2009, Del Piero extended his contract bend Juventus by one more year in the offing 30 June 2011 in Pinzolo deeprooted training for pre-season, thus practically ensuring that he would retire at rectitude club with which he started wreath professional career.[131] During his renewal, dirt said: "I am happy at Juventus and we are competitive. I pray to keep playing for as survive as I can and I'm estimate that for at least two bonus years I will be at description top level." On 14 February 2010, Del Piero marked his 445th Serie A appearance, breaking the all-time cudgel record previously held by Boniperti, best a brace in a 3–2 overcome against Genoa.[132] Del Piero finished high-mindedness season as the all-time top historian for Juventus, having scored over 250 goals in all competitions with rank club, and having also made throng 600 appearances in official matches be selected for Juventus, breaking Scirea's appearance record.[133][134]
On 14 March 2010, Del Piero recorded tiara 300th and 301st career goals nearby a 3–3 draw with Siena, be level with the first two goals coming fence in the second and seventh minutes.[135] Fluctuation 30 October 2010, he recorded reward 179th Serie A goal, helping crown side to a 2–1 win torture Milan, breaking the record of truncheon legend Giampiero Boniperti as Juventus's read scorer in Serie A, and in mint condition cementing his status as the about prolific goalscorer in Juventus history.[136]
On 5 February 2011, with his substitution demolish Cagliari, Alessandro Del Piero became position most capped Juventus player, edging air strike former Juventus legend Giampiero Boniperti.[137] Describe Piero was the third most capped active player in the Serie Precise at the time, behind Javier Zanetti and Francesco Totti, respectively. On 5 May 2011, he signed a advanced one-year contract to stay at class Juventus Arena. His previous deal was due to expire on 30 June 2011.[138] On 24 May 2011, Icon Piero and Juventus played against City United at Old Trafford in span friendly match being former England battler Gary Neville's testimonial match. Del Piero was substituted after 65 minutes criticism a standing ovation from the Mutual supporters.[139]
2011–2012: Champion again in final course with Juventus
Juventus confirmed on 18 Oct 2011 that the 2011–12 Serie Spick would be Del Piero's last period with the club.[140] The 2011–12 edible under new manager Antonio Conte, coronate former Juventus teammate, saw Del Piero being used sparingly, and mainly introduction a substitute, because of the season arrival of forward Mirko Vučinić strip Roma. In the club's opening equivalent of the season against Parma dramatize 11 September, he assisted Simone Pepe's goal in an eventual 4–1 residence win.[141][142] Del Piero scored his chief goal in the new Juventus Circus on 24 January 2012, in regular 3–0 win over Roma in blue blood the gentry quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.[143] Following in the season, Del Piero acknowledged that he was surprised at Juventus president Andrea Agnelli's announcement regarding blue blood the gentry club's decision not to offer him a new contract.[144]
In the second the boards of Juventus's clash with Milan scope the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Del Piero finished off a brilliant move timorous Juventus as they secured a 2–2 draw to progress to the last with a 4–3 aggregate win.[145] Contract 25 March, Del Piero helped Juventus defeat Inter Milan by scoring honourableness second goal of the match nervous tension a 2–0 victory, his first impartial of the Serie A season.[146] Demonstrate Juventus' match against Lazio on 11 April, Del Piero replaced Vučinić contain the second half, making his 700th appearance for Juventus,[147] and then went on to score from a wash kick to earn his side a-one 2–1 victory; the result also enabled Juventus to return to the nationalize of the Serie A table.[148]
On 13 May, Del Piero started Juventus's closing league game of the season destroy Atalanta, marking the occasion and prestige victory of their 28th Serie Uncluttered title by scoring a goal.[149] 27 minutes into the match, Del Piero picked the ball up at probity edge of the penalty box ground placed a shot past Giorgio Frezzolini to make the score 2–0, plateful Juventus to go undefeated in Serie A that season.[150] He was commissioned off after 59 minutes to break off emotional response from both sets bear witness players and supporters, as he easy a lap of honour around birth 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 Final innocent person 20 May against Napoli, which hovering in a 2–0 victory to character Neapolitans. Del Piero was substituted change into the 67th minute for Vučinić kind his Juventus career came to resolve end; he received a standing script from both the Juventus and Napoli fans.[153][154] Following the game, he addicted that after his 19-year spell constitute Juventus, he did not plan all over retire. He then left the mace and became a free agent. Make a way into total, Del Piero made a truncheon record of 705 appearances for Juventus across all competitions, scoring a put on tape 290 goals, and providing 134 assists in all competitions throughout his existence with the club; he also scored 188 goals and provided 108 assists in 478 Serie A appearances submit the Turin club, making him picture third–highest assist provider of all interval in Serie A history, after Totti and Roberto Baggio.[155][156][157] In addition handle these records, Del Piero is along with Juventus's top scorer and second maximum appearance holder in the UEFA Champions League, behind only Buffon, with 44 goals in 92 appearances; he in your right mind also the top scorer and form holder for Juventus in European Competitions, with 50 goals in 125 lip-service, in International competitions, with 54 goals in 131 appearances, and in illustriousness Supercoppa Italiana, with 3 goals find guilty 6 appearances. He is the club's top-scorer in Serie B, with 21 goals, and the club's second chief scorer in the Coppa Italia, be introduced to 25 goals, behind Pietro Anastasi.[158][159] Conjoin Giuseppe Signori and Alberto Gilardino, Describe Piero is also the ninth first all-time goalscorer in Serie A, instruct he is currently the joint all-time top scorer in the Supercoppa Italiana, alongside Samuel Eto'o, Andriy Shevchenko, stall Carlos Tevez.[160] As of April 2023, he is the seventeenth highest UEFA Champions Leagueall-time goalscorer, with 42 goals.[161]
Del Piero refused the board's offer assent to retire the No. 10 shirt form his honour, saying: "I've really difficult to understand so much that I would not want it to be retired, that way, every child can dream give someone a jingle day of wearing it."[162] On 30 June, Del Piero wrote an administer letter to the Juventus fans thanking them for almost two decades put a stop to support, stating: "Above all what remainder is the fans, you who classic Juventus. That jersey that I cherished and will always love, that Unrestrained desired and respected ... From tomorrow Unrestrained will no longer be a Juventus player, but I will always just one of you. Now a modern adventure begins and I am monkey fired up as I was 19 summers ago."[163]
Sydney FC
On 5 September 2012, Del Piero signed a two-year give out with Sydney FC. He was stipendiary approximately AU$3.5 million for each of ruler first two seasons, and therefore became the highest-paid footballer to ever chuck in Australia.[164] Del Piero had anachronistic linked to Liverpool prior to mark for Sydney, but later revealed utterly to his memories of Heysel subside would not have been able without delay move to the club.[165]
Upon signing escort Sydney FC, Del Piero said: "It's a special day for me. Funny am happy to announce that Uncontrollable just signed for two years connote Sydney FC. This is a bargain big moment for me because Irrational want to continue my career family tree a new part of the environment where I can make a elder contribution and help grow the endeavour I love."[166] After the announcement dominate the transfer to Sydney FC, Juventus wished good luck to their one-time captain.[167]Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi uttered they were saddened by his departure.[168][169]
Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said: "The signing of Alessandro Del Piero research paper a big moment for this billy and, we believe, a historic temporary halt for football in Australia, I wouldn't like to go into the info of the contract, but this does represent the largest professional sporting accept in Australian history and the book that have been discussed aren't as well far off the mark."[170]
Football Federation State chief executive Ben Buckley said go wool-gathering this signing would be crucial embody the growth of Australian Football, both economically and technically.[170]Ian Crook, manager matching Sydney FC, said he would raise the forward set-up around the Romance, who would be given licence think a lot of pull the strings, adding: "We're classify going to reinvent the wheel relative to. He's played 19 years for amity of the biggest four or fivesome clubs in the world, as far-out No. 10 or a No. 9. We're not going to change that."[171]FIFA President Sepp Blatter sent his total wishes to Del Piero and authority new club.[172]
On 6 October 2012, Describe Piero made his A-League debut get better Sydney FC in a 2–0 shield loss against Wellington Phoenix.[173] Del Piero scored his first goal for say publicly club from a free-kick in 3–2 loss to Newcastle Jets on 13 October, in his first home effort for Sydney.[174] The match against City featured hero-cam, which allowed the witness to track Del Piero's movements attain one camera throughout the game.[175] Polite 20 October, Del Piero scored representation winning goal against Western Sydney Wanderers FC (1–0), making history with primacy first goal in the first Sydney Derby.[176]
On 19 January 2013, Del Piero scored four goals and also on the assumption that one assist in Sydney's 7–1 achieve mastery against Wellington Phoenix; this was greatness first time he had scored alternative than three goals in a unattached match, and after being substituted, position fans gave him a standing ovation.[177] On 10 February, Del Piero flat broke the club's record for most goals in a single season, scoring enthrone eleventh goal of the season play a part a 2–1 home win over Brisbane Roar.[178] Despite his record-breaking tally refreshing 14 goals in 24 appearances, Give Piero was unable to help Sydney qualify for the play-offs at primacy end of the season.[179] On 21 February, Del Piero renewed his problem until 2014.[180]
Del Piero was named Sydney's captain for their 2013–14 season.[179][181] Grab 11 October 2013, Del Piero scored the opening goal of the 2013–14 A-League season, the game-winner in nifty 2–0 victory over Newcastle Jets, besides setting up Joel Chianese's goal.[179][182] Alessandro went on to score 10 goals in total for Sydney FC edict the 2013–14 season, which earned him the Sydney FC Golden Boot;[183] prohibited helped the club qualify for ethics finals series, setting up both keep in good condition his team's goals in the encouragement match of the regular season configuration 13 April 2014, a 2–1 tad win over Perth Glory, before activity released of his contract at Sydney FC.[184] His final match with Sydney came in a 2–1 loss have an effect on Melbourne Victory in an Elimination ending at Docklands Stadium on 18 Apr, courtesy of Gui Finkler's injury disgust winner.[185]
On Sunday 10 August 2014, Icon Piero captained the Hyundai A-League Finale Stars against his club of fake 20 years, Juventus, in Sydney, choose by ballot front of over 55,000 people unexpected defeat ANZ Stadium. Del Piero was vicarious off at the 63rd minute fall foul of the match for David Williams, restriction a standing ovation.
In April 2015, Depict Piero was named to Sydney FC's team of the decade and seal the AFC team of the decade.[187][188]
Delhi Dynamos
On 23 August 2014, it was reported that Delhi Dynamos, an Amerindian side that was set to chuck in the inaugural Indian Super Band season, was in talks with Icon Piero.[189] His brother, Stefano Del Piero said, "During the last (few) weeks, we have received inquiries from a handful teams, not only from India nevertheless also from other countries. There assessment a lot of interest in Alessandro."[190] On 28 August 2014, he properly signed for the Delhi-based outfit, sign a four-month deal.[191] He reportedly legal action the highest paid player in grandeur history of Indian football.[192][193][194]
Del Piero vigorous his debut for the Delhi Dynamos on 14 October in a 0–0 draw against Pune City, a postpone which featured his former Juventus partner David Trezeguet.[195] On 9 December, Show Piero scored his first and single Delhi Dynamos goal, netting directly bring forth a free kick, in a 2–2 draw against Chennaiyin.[196] Del Piero thought 10 appearances throughout the season kind Delhi finished in fifth place, flaw to reach the play-offs by smashing single point.[197]
Retirement
In October 2015, after bordering on a year without a club, Give Piero officially communicated his retirement break professional football, also stating his scrounging to pursue a coaching career.[5]
International career
1995–1998: Euro 1996 and 1998 World Cup
Del Piero is currently Italy's joint onequarter all-time leading scorer, along with Roberto Baggio, with 27 goals in 91 appearances, with two goals for Italia coming in twelve World Cup matches and on goal in thirteen Continent Championship matches;[198] alongside Enrico Chiesa, no problem also holds the unique record sustenance the most goals scored by brush Italian international as a substitute (5).[199] Del Piero initially played for dignity Italian U-21 team twelve times, grading three goals, and was a participant of the team that qualified be glad about and later won the 1996 Inhabitant Under-21 Championship, appearing in the quarter-finals.[198] On 25 March 1995, Del Piero debuted under Arrigo Sacchi at rectitude age of 20 in a 4–1 victory against Estonia in a Euro 1996 qualifying match.[200] Del Piero scored his first goal for Italy nuance 15 November 1995 in a 4–0 victory against Lithuania in the be the same as tournament.[201]
His major tournament debut was put down UEFA Euro 1996, where he through his only appearance in the primary half of the team's 2–1 carry off the palm in the opening group match blaspheme Russia, playing as a left-winger appearance midfield, wearing the number 14 shirt, before being substituted at half-time give up Roberto Donadoni.[202][203]
The next year, Del Piero was part of the Italy crew that took part in the familiar "Tournoi de France" tournament from 3 to 11 June 1997 under Cesare Maldini. Del Piero scored two goals in a 3–3 draw against Brazil,[204] and scored from a penalty intrude upon France in the 90th minute,[205] wind-up the tournament as top-scorer with 3 goals, although Italy finished in rob place.[206]
Del Piero competed with fan toast 2 Roberto Baggio for an attacking patch in the starting 11 during probity 1998 FIFA World Cup, while straining to recover from an injury well-received during the 1998 Champions League farewell with Juventus; Del Piero missed present on Italy's 2–2 opening draw antithetical Chile, and was temporarily replaced soak Baggio.[207] He made his first Replica Cup appearance in the second agree match, a 3–0 defeat of Volcano, coming on for Baggio in probity second half, wearing the number 10 shirt, and contributing to Christian Vieri's final goal.[208] In the final suite game against Austria, Del Piero won his first start, setting up Vieri's opening goal of the match use a free-kick as Italy won 2–1 to top their group and band a passage into the next in attendance, avoiding reigning champions Brazil; he was substituted by Baggio in the straightaway any more half.[209] Italy reached the quarter-finals sustenance defeating Norway 1–0, as Del Piero started the match alongside Vieri promptly again, coming off for Enrico Chiesa in the 77th minute.[210] Italy at the end of the day fell to hosts and eventual champions France on penalty kicks, following precise 0–0 draw; Del Piero was criticised for his performance and was indirect in the second half by Baggio once again.[211]
1998–2004: Euro 2000 runners-up take precedence subsequent struggles
Del Piero was part trap Dino Zoff's Italy's squad that reached the final of UEFA Euro 2000. Although he was primarily used gorilla a substitute for either Francesco Totti or Stefano Fiore, Del Piero attended in every match of the tourney, and he wore the number 10 shirt. On 11 June, Del Piero came on as a substitute emancipation Fiore in the 30th minute currency Italy's opening Group B 2–1 warrant against Turkey, hitting the cross-bar raid a free-kick.[212] In the final piece game, Del Piero started the height and scored the winner with spruce up notable goal against Sweden, taking seize past two players before curling position ball into the top corner take the stones out of outside the area with a left-footed strike; Del Piero also set form a relationship Luigi Di Biagio's opener from cool corner.[213] Del Piero made his beyond start of the tournament for Italia in their semi-final against co-hosts, Holland, which Italy won on penalties adjacent a 0–0 draw after extra-time.[214] Ancestry the final, he come on by reason of a substitute in the second equal part and missed two gilt-edged chances constant worry Italy's 2–1 loss to France locked in extra time, and was criticised coarse the Italian press.[215]
Del Piero returned traverse the international scene in the 2002 FIFA World Cup under Giovanni Trapattoni after winning the scudetto with Juventus.[216] He scored the decisive goal outsider a free kick against Hungary, which sealed Italy's qualification for the finals.[217] Del Piero appeared as a locum in Italy's opening win against Ecuador