Del Piero: Italy Must Look Beyond Zidane to Win World Cup
July 7, 2006
Del Piero has expressed his deep admiration for former Juventus team-mate Zinedine Zidane, but said it would be a mistake for Italy to concentrate solely on nullifying the threat of the France playmaker in Sunday's World Cup final.
"He has performed magnificently so far and I hope that ends on Sunday," said 31-year-old Del Piero of the Real Madrid midfield maestro who will retire from soccer after the Berlin showpiece.
"He and I have a great relationship and I have fond memories of when we played in European matches together for Juventus. He's the absolute number one. From a player's point of view, I don't know what else you can say about Zizou that hasn't been said already."
"How do we stop him? With the same spirit we have shown up until now, we can overcome any problem."
"But France have other dangerous players who can hurt you in an instant. We have to make sure we keep an eye on everybody."
Super-sub Del Piero ready to come off the bench again
Del Piero, who scored Italy's second goal in the last seconds of their 2-0 extra-time semi-final win over hosts Germany after coming off the bench, is relishing the prospect of facing France, even though he will probably be among the substitutes again.
"It's a fantastic challenge, it doesn't get any better than France," said the Juventus striker. "They are a team full of winners, above all Zizou."
Del Piero admitted he hasn't found it easy being a substitute having made just one start for the Azzurri, against Australia in the second round. "My only thought when I go on the pitch is to make the most of my opportunity," he said.
"It's not easy to come on in the last few minutes and score a goal. I would love to have more time out there, but the coach makes the choices and I respect that."
Euro 2000 disappointment driving Juve striker on
Del Piero has added motivation for wanting to beat France on Sunday having missed two golden opportunities to score against them in the final of Euro 2000. Italy were leading 1-0 when Del Piero spurned his chances, and France came back to win 2-1 thanks to David Trezeguet's golden goal.
Del Piero was hurt by those who blamed him for Italy's defeat six years ago. "I said some strong things at the time and I don't regret it," he said. "We always have to put up with critics, but you can't accuse me of not giving everything. I play with my legs, but also my heart."
Del Piero believes France are favorites for Sunday's final because they have less off-field problems.
Italy's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by the Serie A match-fixing scandal which could see four clubs -- including Del Piero's Juventus -- relegated from the top division.
"Above all France don't have the same chaos going on in their domestic league as we have," he said, though in fairness the majority of the French squad play football abroad.