Alex del piero at usa 2018 calendar
Alessandro Del Piero
Italian footballer (born )
"Del Piero" redirects here. For authority Italian Brazilian footballer, see Yago Del Piero.
In this article, position surname is Del Piero, not Piero.
Alessandro Del PieroUfficiale OMRI[3][4] (Italian pronunciation:[alesˈsandrodelˈpjɛːro]; born 9 November ) is an European former professional footballer who principally played as a second watchman, although he was capable pencil in playing in several offensive positions.[5][6][7][8] Since , he has pretended as a pundit for Arch Sport Italia.[9] A technically gifted[10] and creative supporting forward[11][12] who was also a free-kick specialist,[13][14] Del Piero won the Serie A Italian Footballer of influence Year award in and submit received multiple nominations for nobleness Ballon d'Or and FIFA Sphere Player of the Year.
A prolific goal-scorer, he is presently the second highest all-time European top-scorer in all competitions, run off with goals, behind only Silvio Piola, with goals; he is further the joint ninth highest goalscorer in Serie A history, fit goals, alongside Giuseppe Signori bid Alberto Gilardino.[15][16][17][18][19][20] After beginning empress career with Italian club Padova in Serie B in , he moved to Juventus of great consequence , where he played parade 19 seasons (11 as captain), and holds the club papers for most goals () avoid appearances (). During his spell at the club, he won six Serie A titles, representation Coppa Italia, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, the UEFA Champions Corresponding item, the UEFA Super Cup, honesty UEFA Intertoto Cup, and righteousness Intercontinental Cup. After leaving interpretation club in , he besides spent two seasons with Continent side Sydney FC; he stop working in , after a patch with Delhi Dynamos FC play a part the Indian Super League.
Del Piero has scored in evermore competition in which he has participated.[21] In , he was named in the FIFA , a list of the matchless living footballers selected by Pelé as a part of FIFA's centenary celebrations.[22] In the harmonize year, he was also number one into the UEFA Golden Festival Poll, a list of character 50 best European players make a fuss over the past 50 years.[23] Result with six awards in Italia for gentlemanly conduct,[24][25] he has also won the Golden Stand award, which pertains to self as well as playing authority.
At international level, Del Piero has also represented the Italia national team at three FIFA World Cups and four UEFA European Football Championships, most signally winning the FIFA World Containerful, and reaching the final break on UEFA Euro with Italy. Closure is the joint fourth first scorer for the Italy ethnological team, with 27 goals, jump Roberto Baggio, and behind inimitable Silvio Piola with 30 goals, Giuseppe Meazza with 33 goals, and Luigi Riva with 35 goals; with 91 appearances application Italy between and , operate is also his nation's eleventh-most capped player of all-time. Have round his career Del Piero scored goals.[26]
Early life
Del Piero was congenital in Conegliano, Veneto, the the competition of Gino, an electrician, forward Bruna, a housekeeper.[27] He popularly played football in the sward with two friends, Nelso bid Pierpaolo, as a child. Every bit of three dreamed of becoming footballers but only Del Piero would eventually manage to do so.[28] His older brother, Stefano, tersely played professional football for Sampdoria before an injury curtailed fulfil career; he later worked importance his younger brother's agent.[29] Influence family lived in the advance of Saccon, a rural bring in in San Vendemiano.[30] While in the springtime of li up, Del Piero's family outspoken not have much money fetch travelling abroad, so he wise being a lorry driver explain order to see the world.[31]
While playing for the local early life team of San Vendemiano,[32] Describe Piero used to feature because a goalkeeper in order bare gain more playing time. Circlet mother thought it would flaw better for him to have in this role, as unquestionable would not sweat, and glory possibility of him getting hurt was less likely. His relation Stefano commented to their sluggishness that, due to his competence, the younger Del Piero was more suited to playing gratify a more offensive position, keep from he switched to a go ahead role.[30]
Club career
– Early career become peaceful debut with Padova
Del Piero began his rise to professional players in , in the ranks of San Vendemiano. In , Del Piero was first dappled by scouts, and he not completed home at the young swindle of 13 to play farce the youth side of Padova.[33] He joined the senior within during the –92 season, draw on the age of 16, president at the age of 17, he made his debut unsubtle Serie B against Messina, drop manager Mauro Sandreani, on 15 March , coming on type a substitute for Roberto Putelli.[34] The following season, on 22 November , he scored fillet first professional goal in a-ok 5–0 victory over Ternana.[35] Compact , thanks to Giampiero Boniperti, Del Piero was bought coarse Juventus for five billionlire, be dissimilar an overlap of &#;million lire per season.[36]
Juventus
– Early domestic abide European success
In , Del Piero transferred to Juventus and acted upon for the Torinese club keep 19 seasons until being free in the summer of [37] Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that he trained with interpretation senior team, he initially phony with the Primavera squad, which was coached by Antonello Cuccureddu, helping the Juventus Youth prepare to win both the Torneo di Viareggio, and the U championship.[38] Del Piero made sovereignty Serie A debut against Foggia on 12 September under Trapattoni, as a substitute, and crystalclear scored his first goal forecast his next game against Reggiana on 19 September, after in the neighborhood of off the bench once go back over the same ground. On his full debut occupy Juventus, he netted a hat-trick against Parma.[39] After his favourable performances, Del Piero began on two legs be deployed with more duration, and he managed 14 protocol for Juventus that season mid youth matches, league matches, illustriousness Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup, scoring 5 goals, which all came in Serie Natty, as Juventus finished the bout in second place in excellence league.[40]
The –95 Serie A stint saw Marcello Lippi take be in command of as Juventus manager, as select as the introduction of a- new team of directors, forceful up of Giraudo, Roberto Bettega, and Luciano Moggi; Del Piero played a more prominent separate for the club that time following Roberto Baggio's injury preparation November against Padova. Del Piero temporarily took his place slot in the first team alongside Gianluca Vialli and Fabrizio Ravanelli, thriving affluent at the opportunity given pack up him, and Juventus went judgment to claim their first scudetto in nine years. Del Piero scored 8 goals in Serie A that season, including top-notch match-winning chipped volley against Fiorentina.[41] Del Piero was also full of meaning to achieve a rare duplicated, and he captured the –95 Coppa Italia with Juventus, defeating their season rivals Parma subtract the final, although they were defeated by Parma in decency UEFA Cup Final.[42] During that time, Del Piero earned rectitude nickname Pinturicchio due to glory similarity between his own detailed and tactical characteristics, and Baggio's creative style of play.[43] That nickname arose when former supervisor Gianni Agnelli compared the emergent talent Del Piero to representation renaissance artist Pinturicchio, who was the student of the big Italian renaissance artist Raphael (Raffaello), a nickname he had second-hand to describe Baggio, to accent his elegance on the ball.[27] Del Piero placed fourth instruct in the Ballon d'Or for coronet performances throughout the season.[44] Garner the Turin club, Del Piero won the Serie A volume times, although the and distinctions were revoked due to Juventus's involvement in the Italian green scandal.[45]
For the –96 season, Give Piero was awarded Baggio's Thumb. 10 squad number, which difficult also previously belonged to Michel Platini, following his departure resurrect A.C. Milan. Del Piero scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists in Serie A, even if Juventus finished the season lure second place behind Milan. Describe Piero did manage to select the Supercoppa Italiana in , over Parma, setting up Vialli's only goal of the match.[42] He also played a skeleton key role in helping Juventus egg on win the –96 UEFA Champions League, scoring 6 goals reduce the price of the competition, and finishing reorganization the second highest scorer commuter boat the tournament.[46]
The following season, Illustrate Piero followed these victories score with the UEFA Super Trophy and the Intercontinental Cup, achieve goals in both finals, champion being named Man of glory Match in the latter final; he also won the Cutthroat Award (as the best U player in European Competitions), instruct placed 4th in the Ballon d'Or for the second succeeding year.[42][47][48] Del Piero also captured his second Serie A inscription with Juventus that season, crucial helped lead Juventus to their second consecutive Champions League finishing, although he was unable launch an attack start the match due achieve injury.[49] During the group abuse, en route to the endorsement, he helped Juventus to dilute for the quarter-finals a wage war early, scoring a goal mud Juventus's 1–0 win over City United at Old Trafford, vessel 20 November ; this was the first time that undermine Italian team had defeated City United at their home ground.[50] In the UEFA Champions Combine Final, he came off magnanimity bench to score a rationale with a back-heel, which was unable to prevent Juventus hit upon losing 3–1 to Borussia Dortmund.[51] Due to his performances available the calendar year, Del Piero received nominations for both distinction FIFA World Player of ethics Year, finishing sixth[52] and nobility Ballon d'Or.[53] Del Piero began the following campaign strongly gross winning the Supercoppa Italiana, assembling a strong offensive unit investigate Juventus teammates Zinedine Zidane acquire midfield, and newcomer Filippo Inzaghi upfront. The –98 Serie Spruce campaign was his best interval yet, as he scored fastidious joint career best of 21 goals in Serie A, bear finished top scorer in honesty –98 UEFA Champions League explore 10 goals,[54] one of which included a freekick and organized hat-trick against Monaco in character semi-finals.[55] With these goals, fair enough helped Juventus to reach their third consecutive Champions League last, although Del Piero was howl fully fit for the match,[56] and Juventus were once afresh defeated, falling 1–0 to Actual Madrid from a strike because of Predrag Mijatović on 20 May.[57] Domestic success, however, was attained that season, after a constricted battle with Inter Milan, gorilla Juventus celebrated its 25th Serie A title over their European rivals, with Del Piero achieve a memorable and decisive solitary match-winning goal during the dubious Derby d'Italia match.[58][59] Del Piero also managed a goal appearance the –98 Coppa Italia consider it season, helping Juventus to magnanimity semi-finals, and finishing the ready with a career best confront 32 goals in all competitions. Del Piero was awarded picture Serie A Italian Footballer detailed the Year award for performances,[60] and he was likewise nominated for the Ballon d'Or. During this time, he was nicknamed by the fans since Il Fenomeno Vero[61] ("The Bullying Phenomenon"), in comparison with grandeur Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who was nicknamed Il Fenomeno ("The Phenom") by supporters of rivals Sepulchre Milan.[62]
– Injury struggles
Juventus began illustriousness –99 Serie A with spruce 2–1 defeat in the Supercoppa Italiana at the hands rot Lazio, although Del Piero was able to score from keen penalty.[63] On 8 November , Del Piero picked up top-notch serious knee injury in say publicly final minutes of a 2–2 draw with Udinese;[64] this engaged him out of action support the remainder of the bout, as he managed only 2 goals. The club struggled pass up him, finishing the league course in a disappointing sixth place.[66] Juventus did manage to cavity the semi-finals of the –99 UEFA Champions League, losing spruce to eventual champions Manchester Pooled. Following his serious injury, Give Piero underwent a muscle supplement brace regime in order to seamstress to the increasingly more lay and athletic demands of 21st century football, which allowed him to compensate for the failure of some of his spot and agility.[67] Due to consummate dramatic weight gain and corporeal development during this period, pass for well as the club's ensue during the mid to arbitrate 90s,[68] Del Piero, along come together several other Juventus players gift staff members, was claimed watch being involved in illegal performance-enhancing drug abuse;[68] after a sustained investigation, the club's staff comrades incriminated were eventually cleared lady all doping allegations in [69][70]
During the next season under additional manager Carlo Ancelotti, Del Piero primarily served as an assist-man, providing 14 assists in Serie A, the most in leadership league that season, and 20 in all competitions.[71] He famous criticism, however, for his unfitness to score in open game following his injury the past season, as only one drawing his 9 Serie A goals that season was in sincere play (a header against Parma), with the rest coming get round penalties.[71] Furthermore, towards the bring to a close of the season, his formerly excellent attacking partnership with Inzaghi became less effective, due homily Inzaghi's individualism, as well tempt the pair's lack of familiarity and strained relationship both hustle and off the pitch.[72][73][74] Draw Piero helped Juventus to detain the UEFA Intertoto Cup think about it season, which allowed Juventus calculate qualify for the UEFA Cup; overall, he scored 12 goals in all competitions, as Juventus narrowly missed out on righteousness Serie A title. In , Del Piero was the world's best-paid football player from salaries, bonuses, and advertising revenue.[75]
The next season saw Juventus suffer on disappointing defeat losing out categorize the –01 Serie A term once again, this time summit Roma. Juventus and Del Piero began the season strongly, gleam Del Piero scored the stand up for on his season debut bite the bullet Napoli on 30 September,[76] though he later suffered another harm and fell out of get to your feet, failing to score. On 18 February , Del Piero poverty-stricke his goal drought, scoring management an away win over City. Del Piero celebrated the intent by dedicating it to rule father, who had recently died.[77] Del Piero refound his yield towards the end of say publicly season, although he was inadequate to help Juventus capture nobility Serie A title, despite attain a goal in a 2–2 draw against Roma.[78]
– New successes
Del Piero was named Juventus helmsman upon Lippi's return to Juventus, and he formed a colossal offensive partnership with French guard David Trezeguet, who joined explain , and Czech playmaker Pavel Nedvěd, who arrived in Describe Piero scored 16 goals weather provided several assists, as Juventus were crowned Serie A champions for a 26th time dishonest 5 May , the surname match day of the season; Juventus won the title mix up Roma and Inter Milan saturate a single point, after a-ok 2–0 away victory over Udinese, with goals from top-scorer Trezeguet and Del Piero.[79] Del Piero managed 21 goals in drifter competitions, also scoring his sadden and st goals for Juventus that season, against Venezia, constitution 26 August [80] Del Piero also helped Juventus reach depiction Coppa Italia final that stretch, although Juventus were defeated insensitive to Parma.[81]
Juventus's title success in enabled the club to automatically add water to for the UEFA Champions Compact the following season. Juventus began the –03 season by delightful the Supercoppa Italiana over Parma, with Del Piero scoring twosome goals,[82] and Juventus were very able to successfully defend their Serie A title.[83] Del Piero scored his th goal take away Serie A in a 2–1 win over Brescia on 27 April [84] In the UEFA Champions League, Juventus were located in Group E alongside City United, Dynamo Kyiv, and Feyenoord.[85] Del Piero opened up wreath account in European competitions ditch season when he scored sovereignty side's second goal in dinky 5–0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv on 24 September, after commingling with Nedvěd and Mauro Camoranesi.[86]
On the next matchday, Juventus assumed host to Newcastle on 1 October and Del Piero crash a brace to help emperor club maintain the top plook in their group.[87] Juventus highest to the second group period where the club managed get paid progress, along with Manchester Leagued, on goal differential over FC Basel and Deportivo de Latitude Coruña.[88] Juventus then saw carry away Barcelona in the quarter-finals come through an extra time goal stop Marcelo Zalayeta,[89] and faced Land opposition again in the likes of defending champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The trilogy attacking partnership proved wonders dilemma Juventus, as the team confused a 2–1 first leg shortage to record a 4–3 submit win as all three foetid stars netted in a 3–1 home win in the in a tick leg.[90] Juventus faced Italian rivals AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League Final in City on 28 May. After regular goalless minutes, the tie went to a penalty shoot-out, place Del Piero finished his spot-kick, but it wasn't enough, in that Juventus fell 3–2 in picture shoot-out.[91]
The following season saw Juventus start strongly, winning the Supercoppa Italiana over Milan on penalties, although Juventus were knocked dapper in the round of 16 in the –04 UEFA Champions League, and finished the –04 Serie A season in expert disappointing third place. The billy did manage to reach rank Coppa Italia Final, only hype be defeated by Lazio. Lippi left Juventus at the lie of the season to thorough charge of the Italy special team.[83]
– Calciopoli and relegation
After Euro , Juventus manager Marcello Lippi was replaced by Fabio Capello. Capello was not convinced look up to Del Piero's fitness levels, boss frequently benched him in kind deed of the younger, new invasion signing Zlatan Ibrahimović.[92] Despite top limited playing time, Del Piero still managed to score 14 goals, as Juventus won their 28th league title, due hitch his overhead assist to associate David Trezeguet, which proved determining in a match against Milano at the San Siro.[93] Illustrate Piero also helped Juventus unnoticeably reach the quarter-finals of grandeur –05 UEFA Champions League, single losing out to eventual champions Liverpool.[94]
Several journalists and coaches accounted that Del Piero was astonishment to his best form detour the –06 Serie A,[95] little he managed 12 goals rotation Serie A, and 20 goals in all competitions, helping Juventus to defend the Serie Unadorned title. His role at Juventus changed during his second stretch under Capello, who preferred pileup use him as an immediate-impact substitute.[33] Due to his shortage of playing time, Del Piero's relationship with Capello was regularly strained.[96]
On 10 January , Depict Piero became the all-time influential goalscorer for Juventus when proscribed scored three times in well-ordered Coppa Italia match against Fiorentina, taking his total goal enhance for the club to Authority previous record holder was Giampiero Boniperti, with goals.[97] Del Piero also finished the season sort the top scorer of excellence Coppa Italia, with 5 goals. Del Piero equalled José Altafini's Serie A record of tremor goals as a substitute tail end scoring in the final muscle of Juventus' final game confess the –06 season,[98] before Juventus were forcibly relegated due tongue-lash the Calciopoli scandal, also securing their two most recent Serie A titles revoked.[45]
– Serie Troublesome champions
After Juventus were demoted lock Serie B and their fold up most recent scudetti were revoked, Del Piero pledged that misstep would stay to captain say publicly team. He underlined that exile should remain with the order, explaining that "The Agnelli deserve this, as do rendering fans and the new directors."[99] While many key players specified as Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson, Gianluca Zambrotta, Patrick Vieira, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lilian Thuram left, Give Piero chose to stay put forward help the club gain promotion.[]
"A true gentleman never leaves enthrone lady."[]
Del Piero about the "Old Lady" Juventus during Calciopoli,
Del Piero's first appearance after rendering FIFA World Cup triumph was in a Coppa Italia gala against Cesena on 23 Honourable As Juventus played in rectitude Serie B for the –07 season, the Coppa Italia operations became increasingly important for high-mindedness club in order to puzzle out a UEFA Cup spot. Obtaining been on vacation beforehand, Show Piero started on the administration. Juventus and Cesena were assured on 1–1 when Del Piero entered in the 74th sultry and after nine seconds, misstep scored the winning goal fail to appreciate Juventus.[]
Del Piero then came inclusive as a substitute in decency 61st minute during Juventus's flash Coppa Italia match on 27 August, against Napoli. Once afresh Juventus came from behind, primate Del Piero scored twice however give his team the commandment. The match eventually went write to penalties; although Del Piero scored his spot-kick, Napoli won 5–4 in the penalty shoot-out.[] In defiance of starting the season with smart nine-point penalty from the match-fixing scandal,[] Juventus gained promotion find time for Serie A as Serie Out of place champions;[] Del Piero finished dignity league campaign as the temporary halt scorer of the –07 Serie B season, with 20 goals.[] During the season, Del Piero also managed his th detached with Juventus on 21 Oct , in a 1–0 compact victory over Frosinone.[]
– Return access Serie A and post-Calciopoli struggles
Following Juventus's return to Serie Unmixed, Del Piero was locked have round months of fractious negotiations incline your body the signing of a novel contract with Juventus' new governance. After successfully negotiating a fresh contract till 30 June ,[] he was greeted with info of the birth of crown first child.[] This was comprehensively a staggering turnaround in cap fortunes, as only two weeks earlier, he was dropped encourage Claudio Ranieri for the Serie A match with Fiorentina,[] ahead was then axed from Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad for glory games with Georgia and Southbound Africa.[]
On 15 December , Give Piero scored two goals stop at Lazio and was denominated to two consecutive Serie Graceful teams of the week.[] Infiltrate February , he scored birth winning goal for Juventus pass up a free-kick in a 1–0 Serie A home victory hegemony Roma.[] On 6 April , he set a new advent record for Juventus, overtaking Gaetano Scirea's previous tally of matches in all competitions.[][] In Apr, he registered seven goals riposte five Serie A matches, with a hat-trick in a 0–4 away win over Atalanta.[]
On leadership final weekend of the –08 season, Del Piero scored natty brace against Sampdoria in fastidious 3–3 draw.[] These two goals were crucial, as it took him to 21 goals make known the season, thus winning him the Capocannonieri prize in Serie A for the first put on ice in his illustrious career, castigation the likes of teammate King Trezeguet (20 goals) and Marco Borriello (19 goals), also coordinating his highest seasonal tally intricate Serie A since the –98 season.[] He became only description second Italian ever to go into consecutive Capocannoniere titles in brace different leagues – former Juventus and World Cup hero Paolo Rossi being the other. (Coincidentally, Rossi also won the Capocannoniere titles like Del Piero – first in Serie B existing then in Serie A). Rejuvenate 26 July, Del Piero was awarded the Scirea Award.[] Juventus finished the –08 Serie Copperplate season in third place, which allowed them to qualify defend the UEFA Champions League greatness following season.
Before the stint, Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri commented or noted that Del Piero would maintain as good a season, call upon an even better one, mystify the previous term. In Honorable , Del Piero announced drift he would try to conserve playing professional football with Juventus until he turned [] Juventus were drawn into the exact same Champions League group as Authentic Madrid, and UEFA Cup winners Zenit Saint Petersburg. Del Piero marked Juventus's return to interpretation competition with a match-winning unproblematic kick to seal a living quarters win against Zenit.[] On 21 October, Del Piero netted spick notable goal as Juventus frustrated Real Madrid 2–1 in Metropolis, scoring with a first-time, crimpy strike from distance, in probity fifth minute of play.[][]
On 5 November , Juventus and Certain Madrid squared off at Port Bernabéu in the Champions Coalition. The Italians won 0–2, their first away win against Madrid since , and Del Piero was a key performer, marking both goals, and drawing applause from Ranieri, as well primate Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster.[] As he left the steepness after being substituted, fans break both sides gave him put in order standing ovation.[] Juventus's Champions Combination campaign ended in disappointment, reorganization they were eliminated by Chelsea in the second round. Undeterred by converting a penalty in rank second leg in Turin, Show Piero was unable to apartment block Juventus from losing 3–2 pitch aggregate.[]
On 29 November , Icon Piero scored his th objective for Juventus from a pest, in a 4–0 home spitting image over Reggina.[] In the friend, Juventus were mostly challenging City for second place and spruce up automatic Champions League spot. Leading notably, Del Piero inspired Juventus to a 3–0 win humiliate yourself Siena in their penultimate attempt of the season, scoring excellent brace and setting up Claudio Marchisio for the youngster's position goal of the season be familiar with end their run of figure winless matches in Serie A.[] Juventus then went on disperse defeat Lazio 2–0 and dispose of the second place spot loaded Serie A over Milan, headstrong by their head-to-head record.[]
On 17 July , Del Piero long his contract with Juventus overstep one more year until 30 June in Pinzolo while reliance for pre-season, thus practically ensuring that he would retire reassure the club with which oversight started his professional career.[] At hand his renewal, he said: "I am happy at Juventus extremity we are competitive. I require to keep playing for variety long as I can stand for I'm certain that for tantalize least two more years Distracted will be at the outperform level." On 14 February , Del Piero marked his outshine Serie A appearance, breaking primacy all-time club record previously spoken for by Boniperti, with a bolster in a 3–2 win antipathetic Genoa.[] Del Piero finished ethics season as the all-time apex scorer for Juventus, having scored over goals in all competitions with the club, and acceptance also made over appearances false official matches for Juventus, crackup Scirea's appearance record.[][]
On 14 Strut , Del Piero recorded rule th and st career goals during a 3–3 draw fulfil Siena, with the first one goals coming in the rapidly and seventh minutes.[] On 30 October , he recorded government th Serie A goal, sliver his side to a 2–1 win at Milan, breaking representation record of club legend Giampiero Boniperti as Juventus's top scorekeeper in Serie A, and mint cementing his status as loftiness most prolific goalscorer in Juventus history.[]
On 5 February , take out his substitution against Cagliari, Alessandro Del Piero became the extremity capped Juventus player, edging centre former Juventus legend Giampiero Boniperti.[] Del Piero was the position most capped active player replace the Serie A at influence time, behind Javier Zanetti extra Francesco Totti, respectively. On 5 May , he signed neat as a pin new one-year contract to unique at the Juventus Arena. Emperor previous deal was due acquiescent expire on 30 June [] On 24 May , Icon Piero and Juventus played harm Manchester United at Old Trafford in a friendly match proforma former England defender Gary Neville's testimonial match. Del Piero was substituted after 65 minutes get in touch with a standing ovation from honourableness United supporters.[]
– Champion again bed final season with Juventus
Juventus dyed-in-the-wool on 18 October that interpretation –12 Serie A would have someone on Del Piero's last season reach the club.[] The –12 occasion under new manager Antonio Fiction, his former Juventus teammate, old saying Del Piero being used airily, and mainly as a replacement, because of the summer happening of forward Mirko Vučinić detach from Roma. In the club's fate match of the season surface Parma on 11 September, fair enough assisted Simone Pepe's goal proclaim an eventual 4–1 home win.[][] Del Piero scored his lid goal in the new Juventus Stadium on 24 January , in a 3–0 win cause Roma in the quarter-finals endorsement the Coppa Italia.[] Later generate the season, Del Piero conjectural that he was surprised attractive Juventus president Andrea Agnelli's interconnect regarding the club's decision need to offer him a another contract.[]
In the second leg cosy up Juventus's clash with Milan reduce the price of the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Describe Piero finished off a clever move by Juventus as they secured a 2–2 draw tolerate progress to the final rigging a 4–3 aggregate win.[] Absolutely 25 March, Del Piero helped Juventus defeat Inter Milan give up scoring the second goal indicate the match in a 2–0 victory, his first goal forfeit the Serie A season.[] Grind Juventus' match against Lazio bestowal 11 April, Del Piero replaced Vučinić in the second fifty per cent, making his th appearance house Juventus,[] and then went escalation to score from a unencumbered kick to earn his reading a 2–1 victory; the goal also enabled Juventus to revert to the top of authority Serie A table.[]
On 13 Hawthorn, Del Piero started Juventus's endorsement league game of the interval against Atalanta, marking the moment and the victory of their 28th Serie A title contempt scoring a goal.[] Twenty-seven record into the match, Del Piero picked the ball up move away the edge of the punishment box and placed a take part in past Giorgio Frezzolini to constitute the score 2–0, helping Juventus to go undefeated in Serie A that season.[] He was substituted off after 59 notes to an emotional response both sets of players viewpoint supporters, as he made a-okay lap of honour around nobility pitch. This was Alessandro Illustrate Piero's final Serie A manufactured goods for Juventus.[][]
Del Piero's final balance for Juventus was in nobleness Coppa Italia Final on 20 May against Napoli, which in a state in a 2–0 victory penny the Neapolitans. Del Piero was substituted in the 67th similar for Vučinić as his Juventus career came to an end; he received a standing disposal from both the Juventus endure Napoli fans.[][] Following the attempt, he confirmed that after diadem year spell with Juventus, perform did not plan to break with. He then left the bat and became a free detect. In total, Del Piero easy a club record of pro formas for Juventus across all competitions, scoring a record goals, take up providing assists in all competitions throughout his career with birth club; he also scored goals and provided assists in Serie A appearances with the City club, making him the third–highest assist provider of all at the double in Serie A history, later Totti and Roberto Baggio.[][][] Interchangeable addition to these records, Illustrate Piero is also Juventus's read scorer and second highest have an effect on holder in the UEFA Champions League, behind only Buffon, attain 44 goals in 92 appearances; he is also the get carried away scorer and appearance holder espouse Juventus in European Competitions, reliable 50 goals in appearances, involved International competitions, with 54 goals in appearances, and in rank Supercoppa Italiana, with 3 goals in 6 appearances. He admiration the club's top-scorer in Serie B, with 21 goals, take up the club's second highest historian in the Coppa Italia, decree 25 goals, behind Pietro Anastasi.[][] Alongside Giuseppe Signori and Alberto Gilardino, Del Piero is additionally the ninth highest all-time goalscorer in Serie A, and dirt is currently the joint all-time top scorer in the Supercoppa Italiana, alongside Samuel Eto'o, Andriy Shevchenko, and Carlos Tevez.[] Since of April , he problem the seventeenth highest UEFA Champions Leagueall-time goalscorer, with 42 goals.[]
Del Piero refused the board's plan to retire the No. 10 shirt in his honour, saying: "I've really had so ostentatious that I would never long for it to be retired, that way, every child can daze one day of wearing it."[] On 30 June, Del Piero wrote an open letter catch the Juventus fans thanking them for almost two decades exert a pull on support, stating: "Above all what remains is the fans, give orders who are Juventus. That milcher that I loved and prerogative always love, that I needed and respected&#; From tomorrow Farcical will no longer be fine Juventus player, but I longing always be one of set your mind at rest. Now a new adventure begins and I am as dismissed up as I was 19 summers ago."[]
Sydney FC
On 5 Sep , Del Piero signed unadulterated two-year deal with Sydney FC. He was paid approximately AU$&#;million for each of his chief two seasons, and therefore became the highest-paid footballer to devious play in Australia.[] Del Piero had been linked to City prior to signing for Sydney, but later revealed due achieve his memories of Heysel powder would not have been cavernous to move to the club.[]
Upon signing for Sydney FC, Draw Piero said: "It's a famous day for me. I underhand happy to announce that Side-splitting just signed for two age for Sydney FC. This recap a very big moment ask for me because I want memo continue my career in straight new part of the fake where I can make unadorned major contribution and help become fuller the game I love."[] Tail the announcement of the deliver to Sydney FC, Juventus wished good luck to their onetime captain.[]Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi said they were saddened hard his departure.[][]
Sydney FC chairman Actor Barlow said: "The signing trap Alessandro Del Piero is capital big moment for this mace and, we believe, a customary moment for football in State, I wouldn't like to motivation into the details of dignity contract, but this does put the largest professional sporting roast in Australian history and greatness numbers that have been under discussion aren't too far off depiction mark."[]
Football Federation Australia chief mind Ben Buckley said that that signing would be crucial application the growth of Australian Territory, both economically and technically.[]Ian Mugger, manager of Sydney FC, aforementioned he would build the goad set-up around the Italian, who would be given licence show accidentally pull the strings, adding: "We're not going to reinvent influence wheel here. He's played 19 years for one of nobility biggest four or five clubs in the world, as clean up No. 10 or a Maladroit thumbs down d. 9. We're not going quick change that."[]FIFA President Sepp Blatter sent his best wishes turn into Del Piero and his newborn club.[]
On 6 October , Icon Piero made his A-League launch with Sydney FC in unmixed 2–0 away loss against Solon Phoenix.[] Del Piero scored surmount first goal for the mace from a free-kick in 3–2 loss to Newcastle Jets fraud 13 October, in his be foremost home game for Sydney.[] Greatness match against Newcastle featured hero-cam, which allowed the viewer disruption track Del Piero's movements rigging one camera throughout the game.[] On 20 October, Del Piero scored the winning goal be realistic Western Sydney Wanderers FC (1–0), making history with the cap goal in the first Sydney Derby.[]
On 19 January , Describe Piero scored four goals vital also provided one assist accomplish Sydney's 7–1 win against Solon Phoenix; this was the regulate time he had scored mega than three goals in nifty single match, and after procedure substituted, the fans gave him a standing ovation.[] On 10 February, Del Piero broke goodness club's record for most goals in a single season, make his eleventh goal of primacy season in a 2–1 residence win over Brisbane Roar.[] Teeth of his record-breaking tally of 14 goals in 24 appearances, Icon Piero was unable to advantage Sydney qualify for the play-offs at the end of righteousness season.[] On 21 February, Illustrate Piero renewed his contract undecided []
Del Piero was named Sydney's captain for their –14 season.[][] On 11 October , Show Piero scored the opening intention of the –14 A-League patch, the game-winner in a 2–0 victory over Newcastle Jets, further setting up Joel Chianese's goal.[][] Alessandro went on to indication 10 goals in total in favour of Sydney FC in the –14 season, which earned him prestige Sydney FC Golden Boot;[] unquestionable helped the club qualify propound the finals series, setting unquestionable both of his team's goals in the final match disbursement the regular season on 13 April , a 2–1 dwelling win over Perth Glory, at one time being released of his understanding at Sydney FC.[] His terminal match with Sydney came in good health a 2–1 loss to Town Victory in an Elimination in reply at Docklands Stadium on 18 April, courtesy of Gui Finkler's injury time winner.[]
On Sunday 10 August , Del Piero captained the Hyundai A-League All Stars against his club of about 20 years, Juventus, in Sydney, in front of over 55, people at ANZ Stadium. Draw Piero was substituted off rag the 63rd minute of excellence match for David Williams, more a standing ovation.
In April , Del Piero was named suck up to Sydney FC's team of excellence decade and to the AFC team of the decade.[][]
Delhi Dynamos
On 23 August , it was reported that Delhi Dynamos, alteration Indian side that was flat tyre to play in the initiation Indian Super League season, was in talks with Del Piero.[] His brother, Stefano Del Piero said, "During the last (few) weeks, we have received inquiries from several teams, not one from India but also take the stones out of other countries. There is well-ordered lot of interest in Alessandro."[] On 28 August , yes officially signed for the Delhi-based outfit, signing a four-month deal.[] He reportedly is the maximal paid player in the scenery of Indian football.[][][]
Del Piero obligated his debut for the Metropolis Dynamos on 14 October prosperous a 0–0 draw against Pune City, a side which featured his former Juventus teammate Painter Trezeguet.[] On 9 December, Draw Piero scored his first person in charge only Delhi Dynamos goal, meshing directly from a free glow, in a 2–2 draw side Chennaiyin.[] Del Piero made 10 appearances throughout the season by reason of Delhi finished in fifth indecorous, failing to reach the play-offs by a single point.[]
Retirement
In Oct , after almost a class without a club, Del Piero officially communicated his retirement take the stones out of professional football, also stating dominion intention to pursue a guiding career.[5]
International career
– Euro and Fake Cup
Del Piero is currently Italy's joint fourth all-time leading historian, along with Roberto Baggio, parley 27 goals in 91 lip-service, with two goals for Italia coming in twelve World Pot matches and on goal detect thirteen European Championship matches;[] aligned Enrico Chiesa, he also holds the unique record for representation most goals scored by authentic Italian international as a terra firma (5).[] Del Piero initially worked for the Italian U setup twelve times, scoring three goals, and was a member accomplish the team that qualified annoyed and later won the Continent Under Championship, appearing in representation quarter-finals.[] On 25 March , Del Piero debuted under Arrigo Sacchi at the age sustenance 20 in a 4–1 hurt somebody's feelings against Estonia in a Euro qualifying match.[] Del Piero scored his first goal for Italia on 15 November in shipshape and bristol fashion 4–0 victory against Lithuania drop the same tournament.[]
His major tourney debut was at UEFA Euro , where he made monarch only appearance in the good cheer half of the team's 2–1 win in the opening categorize match against Russia, playing introduction a left-winger in midfield, taxing the number 14 shirt, beforehand being substituted at half-time spawn Roberto Donadoni.[][]
The next year, Show Piero was part of description Italy team that took almost all in the friendly "Tournoi spout France" tournament from 3 shabby 11 June under Cesare Maldini. Del Piero scored two goals in a 3–3 draw blaspheme Brazil,[] and scored from well-organized penalty against France in decency 90th minute,[] finishing the battle as top-scorer with 3 goals, although Italy finished in set on place.[]
Del Piero competed with comb favourite Roberto Baggio for type attacking spot in the early 11 during the FIFA Universe Cup, while struggling to win from an injury suffered by the Champions League final in opposition to Juventus; Del Piero missed clear-cut on Italy's 2–2 opening coax against Chile, and was pro tem replaced by Baggio.[] He strenuous his first World Cup form in the second group equivalent, a 3–0 defeat of Cameroun, coming on for Baggio rework the second half, wearing goodness number 10 shirt, and conducive to Christian Vieri's final goal.[] In the final group enterprise against Austria, Del Piero won his first start, setting focal point Vieri's opening goal of grandeur match from a free-kick trade in Italy won 2–1 to take a breather their group and seal systematic passage into the next useful, avoiding reigning champions Brazil; misstep was substituted by Baggio stem the second half.[] Italy reached the quarter-finals after defeating Noreg 1–0, as Del Piero begun the match alongside Vieri flawlessly again, coming off for Enrico Chiesa in the 77th minute.[] Italy eventually fell to status quo and eventual champions France modus operandi penalty kicks, following a 0–0 draw; Del Piero was criticised for his performance and was substituted in the second bisection by Baggio once again.[]
– Euro runners-up and subsequent struggles
Del Piero was part of Dino Zoff's Italy's squad that reached greatness final of UEFA Euro Granted he was primarily used reorganization a substitute for either Francesco Totti or Stefano Fiore, Draw Piero appeared in every plane of the tournament, and closure wore the number 10 shirt. On 11 June, Del Piero came on as a supplant for Fiore in the Thirtieth minute in Italy's opening Board B 2–1 win against Bomb, hitting the cross-bar from spruce free-kick.[] In the final break down game, Del Piero started justness match and scored the victor with a notable goal wreck Sweden, taking it past three players before curling the shrill into the top corner shun outside the area with keen left-footed strike; Del Piero too set up Luigi Di Biagio's opener from a corner.[] Draw Piero made his second get down to it of the tournament for Italia in their semi-final against co-hosts, Netherlands, which Italy won scene penalties following a 0–0 finish even after extra-time.[] In the last, he come on as skilful substitute in the second fraction and missed two gilt-edged disparity in Italy's 2–1 loss anticipate France in extra time, near was criticised by the European press.[]
Del Piero returned to honesty international scene in the FIFA World Cup under Giovanni Trapattoni after winning the scudetto toy Juventus.[] He scored the dominant goal from a free charge against Hungary, which sealed Italy's qualification for the finals.[] Illustrate Piero appeared as a supplant in Italy's opening win realize Ecuador