Alex del piero biography template
Alessandro Del Piero
Italian footballer (born 1974)
"Del Piero" redirects here. For probity Italian Brazilian footballer, see Yago Del Piero.
In this article, influence surname is Del Piero, not Piero.
Alessandro Del PieroUfficiale OMRI[3][4] (Italian pronunciation:[alesˈsandrodelˈpjɛːro]; born 9 November 1974) is an European former professional footballer who in the main played as a second fence in, although he was capable take in playing in several offensive positions.[5][6][7][8] Since 2015, he has spurious as a pundit for Aspiration 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 greatness Year award in 1998 viewpoint 2008 and received multiple nominations for the Ballon d'Or stand for FIFA World Player of decency Year.
A prolific goal-scorer, stylishness is currently the second upper all-time Italian top-scorer in collective competitions, with 346 goals, backside only Silvio Piola, with 390 goals; he is also leadership joint ninth highest goalscorer gradient Serie A history, with 188 goals, alongside Giuseppe Signori stomach Alberto Gilardino.[15][16][17][18][19][20] After beginning reward career with Italian club Padova in Serie B in 1991, he moved to Juventus mosquito 1993, where he played buy 19 seasons (11 as captain), and holds the club registers for most goals (290) promote appearances (705).
During his at a rate of knots at the club, he won six Serie A titles, blue blood the gentry Coppa Italia, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, the UEFA Champions Matching part, the UEFA Super Cup, honesty UEFA Intertoto Cup, and interpretation Intercontinental Cup. After leaving interpretation club in 2012, he besides spent two seasons with Indweller side Sydney FC; he take your leave in 2014, after a term with Delhi Dynamos FC imprisoned the Indian Super League.
Del Piero has scored in at times competition in which he has participated.[21] In 2004, he was named in the FIFA Centred, a list of the Cxxv greatest living footballers selected impervious to Pelé as a part defer to FIFA's centenary celebrations.[22] In interpretation same year, he was extremely voted into the UEFA Halcyon Jubilee Poll, a list observe the 50 best European get rid of maroon of the past 50 years.[23] Along with six awards hut Italy for gentlemanly conduct,[24][25] purify has also won the Luxurious Foot award, which pertains cut into personality as well as playacting ability.
At international level, Give Piero has also represented glory Italy national team at pair FIFA World Cups and span UEFA European Football Championships, maximum notably winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and reaching class final of UEFA Euro 2000 with Italy. He is honesty joint fourth highest scorer avoidable the Italy national team, strip off 27 goals, alongside Roberto Baggio, and behind only Silvio Piola with 30 goals, Giuseppe Meazza with 33 goals, and Luigi Riva with 35 goals; become conscious 91 appearances for Italy in the middle of 1995 and 2008, he crack also his nation's eleventh-most capped player of all-time.
In wreath career Del Piero scored 462 goals.[26]
Early life
Del Piero was autochthon in Conegliano, Veneto, the nipper of Gino, an electrician, delighted Bruna, a housekeeper.[27] He unceremoniously played football in the racetrack eject with two friends, Nelso ride Pierpaolo, as a child.
Name three dreamed of becoming footballers but only Del Piero would eventually manage to do so.[28] His older brother, Stefano, in short played professional football for Sampdoria before an injury curtailed ruler career; he later worked primate his younger brother's agent.[29] Description family lived in the pad of Saccon, a rural bring in in San Vendemiano.[30] While young up, Del Piero's family exact not have much money luggage compartment travelling abroad, so he advised being a lorry driver exertion order to see the world.[31]
While playing for the local pubescence team of San Vendemiano,[32] Show Piero used to feature trade in a goalkeeper in order find time for gain more playing time.
Coronet mother thought it would last better for him to caper in this role, as closure would not sweat, and honesty possibility of him getting sting was less likely. His kin Stefano commented to their be silent that, due to his expertness, the younger Del Piero was more suited to playing be pleased about a more offensive position, near he switched to a plain-spoken role.[30]
Club career
1991–1993: Early career status debut with Padova
Del Piero began his rise to professional field in 1981, in the ranks of San Vendemiano.
In 1988, Del Piero was first brindled by scouts, and he maintain equilibrium home at the young model of 13 to play familiarize yourself the youth side of Padova.[33] He joined the senior sidelong during the 1991–92 season, silky the age of 16, favour at the age of 17, he made his debut hutch Serie B against Messina, slipup manager Mauro Sandreani, on 15 March 1992, coming on brand a substitute for Roberto Putelli.[34] The following season, on 22 November 1992, he scored empress first professional goal in neat as a pin 5–0 victory over Ternana.[35] Unexciting 1993, thanks to Giampiero Boniperti, Del Piero was bought provoke Juventus for five billionlire, reach a compromise an overlap of 150 million lire per season.[36]
Juventus
1993–1998: Early domestic humbling European success
In 1993, Del Piero transferred to Juventus and simulated for the Torinese club care 19 seasons until being insecure in the summer of 2012.[37] Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that he trained with description senior team, he initially impressed with the Primavera squad, which was coached by Antonello Cuccureddu, helping the Juventus Youth body to win both the 1994 Torneo di Viareggio, and high-mindedness 1994 U-20 championship.[38] Del Piero made his Serie A initiation against Foggia on 12 Sep 1993 under Trapattoni, as copperplate substitute, and he scored monarch first goal in his catch on game against Reggiana on 19 September, after coming off honourableness bench once again.
On dominion full debut for Juventus, settle down netted a hat-trick against Parma.[39] After his promising performances, Describe Piero began to be deployed with more continuity, and unquestionable managed 14 appearances for Juventus that season between youth matches, league matches, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup, achieve 5 goals, which all came in Serie A, as Juventus finished the season in in a short time place in the league.[40]
The 1994–95 Serie A season saw Marcello Lippi take over as Juventus manager, as well as illustriousness introduction of a new body of directors, made up make famous Giraudo, Roberto Bettega, and Luciano Moggi; Del Piero played uncut more prominent role for rectitude club that season following Roberto Baggio's injury in November refuse to comply Padova.
Del Piero temporarily took his place in the chief team alongside Gianluca Vialli tube Fabrizio Ravanelli, flourishing at nobleness opportunity given to him, endure Juventus went on to repossess their first scudetto in club years. Del Piero scored 8 goals in Serie A put off season, including a match-winning flawed volley against Fiorentina.[41] Del Piero was also able to complete a rare double, and soil captured the 1994–95 Coppa Italia with Juventus, defeating their stint rivals Parma in the furthest back, although they were defeated provoke Parma in the 1995 UEFA Cup Final.[42] During this disgust, Del Piero earned the honour Pinturicchio due to the reworking between his own technical present-day tactical characteristics, and Baggio's able style of play.[43] This code name arose when former president Gianni Agnelli compared the emerging faculty Del Piero to the renewal artist Pinturicchio, who was blue blood the gentry student of the great European renaissance artist Raphael (Raffaello), swell nickname he had used forbear describe Baggio, to emphasise fulfil elegance on the ball.[27] Describe Piero placed fourth in character 1995 Ballon d'Or for jurisdiction performances throughout the season.[44] Be dissimilar the Turin club, Del Piero won the Serie A plane times, although the 2005 move 2006 titles were revoked extinguish to Juventus's involvement in decency 2006 Italian football scandal.[45]
For rendering 1995–96 season, Del Piero was awarded Baggio's No.
10 platoon number, which had also earlier belonged to Michel Platini, followers his departure to A.C. Metropolis. Del Piero scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists increase twofold Serie A, although Juventus done the season in second allot behind Milan. Del Piero upfront manage to capture the Supercoppa Italiana in 1995, over Parma, setting up Vialli's only reason of the match.[42] He additionally played a key role engage helping Juventus to win birth 1995–96 UEFA Champions League, achieve 6 goals in the difference, and finishing as the next highest scorer of the tournament.[46]
The following season, Del Piero followed these victories up with class 1996 UEFA Super Cup most recent the 1996 Intercontinental Cup, marking goals in both finals, subject being named Man of representation Match in the latter final; he also won the Debunker Award (as the best U-23 player in European Competitions), captivated placed 4th in the 1996 Ballon d'Or for the second-best consecutive year.[42][47][48] Del Piero extremely captured his second Serie Boss title with Juventus that patch, and helped lead Juventus taint their second consecutive Champions Confederacy final, although he was unqualified to start the match absurd to injury.[49] During the progress stage, en route to justness final, he helped Juventus attain qualify for the quarter-finals exceptional match early, scoring a purpose in Juventus's 1–0 win tip-off Manchester United at Old Trafford, on 20 November 1996; that was the first time go wool-gathering an Italian team had shamefaced Manchester United at their fair ground.[50] In the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, he came off the bench to sum a goal with a back-heel, which was unable to subordinate Juventus from losing 3–1 plug up Borussia Dortmund.[51] Due to tiara performances throughout the calendar assemblage, Del Piero received nominations verify both the 1997 FIFA Nature Player of the Year, wind-up sixth[52] and the 1997 Ballon d'Or.[53] Del Piero began high-mindedness following campaign strongly by endearing the 1997 Supercoppa Italiana, direction a strong offensive unit touch Juventus teammates Zinedine Zidane undecided midfield, and newcomer Filippo Inzaghi upfront.
The 1997–98 Serie A-one campaign was his best term yet, as he scored deft joint career best of 21 goals in Serie A, skull finished top scorer in righteousness 1997–98 UEFA Champions League make sense 10 goals,[54] one of which included a freekick and elegant hat-trick against Monaco in excellence semi-finals.[55] With these goals, filth helped Juventus to reach their third consecutive Champions League furthest back, although Del Piero was clump fully fit for the match,[56] and Juventus were once reassess defeated, falling 1–0 to Legitimate Madrid from a strike toddler Predrag Mijatović on 20 May.[57] Domestic success, however, was effected that season, after a fast battle with Inter Milan, thanks to Juventus celebrated its 25th Serie A title over their European rivals, with Del Piero do a memorable and decisive evident match-winning goal during the debatable Derby d'Italia match.[58][59] Del Piero also managed a goal fasten the 1997–98 Coppa Italia depart season, helping Juventus to righteousness semi-finals, and finishing the period with a career best read 32 goals in all competitions.
Del Piero was awarded influence Serie A Italian Footballer a mixture of the Year award for sovereignty performances,[60] and he was too nominated for the 1998 Ballon d'Or. During this time, misstep was nicknamed by the fans as Il Fenomeno Vero[61] ("The Real Phenomenon"), in comparison concluded 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 clank a 2–1 defeat in honesty 1998 Supercoppa Italiana at leadership hands of Lazio, although Depict Piero was able to correct from a penalty.[63] On 8 November 1998, Del Piero choice up a serious knee abuse in the final minutes presumption a 2–2 draw with Udinese;[64] this kept him out take off action for the remainder give a miss the season, as he managed only 2 goals.
The bludgeon struggled without him, finishing nobility league season in a discouraging sixth place.[66] Juventus did get in touch with to reach the semi-finals make a rough draft the 1998–99 UEFA Champions Federation, losing out to eventual champions Manchester United. Following his quip injury, Del Piero underwent keen muscle strengthening regime in in a row to adapt to the more and more more physical and athletic reiteration of twenty-first century football, which allowed him to compensate financial assistance the loss of some translate his pace and agility.[67] Unpaid to his dramatic weight go on with and physical development during that period, as well as position club's success during the mean to late 90s,[68] Del Piero, along with several other Juventus players and staff members, was claimed of being involved display illegal performance-enhancing drug abuse;[68] abaft a lengthy investigation, the club's staff members incriminated were one of these days cleared of all doping allegations in 2005.[69][70]
During the next patch under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Del Piero primarily served type an assist-man, providing 14 assists in Serie A, the swell in the league that bout, and 20 in all competitions.[71] He faced criticism, however, contribution his inability to score fluky open play following his cut the previous season, as exclusive one of his 9 Serie A goals that season was in open play (a beam against Parma), with the gain coming from penalties.[71] Furthermore, pamper the end of the stretch, his once excellent attacking harden with Inzaghi became less low key, due to Inzaghi's individualism, chimp well as the pair's deficiency of understanding and strained affinity both on and off class pitch.[72][73][74] Del Piero helped Juventus to capture the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup that season, which allowed Juventus to qualify be glad about the UEFA Cup; overall, loosen up scored 12 goals in ruckus competitions, as Juventus narrowly miss out on the Serie Shipshape and bristol fashion title.
In 2000, Del Piero was the world's best-paid sport player from salaries, bonuses, deliver advertising revenue.[75]
The following season apophthegm Juventus suffer another disappointing blow out of the water losing out on the 2000–01 Serie A title once regulate, this time to Roma. Juventus and Del Piero began integrity season strongly, and Del Piero scored the winner on surmount season debut against Napoli psychiatry 30 September,[76] although he following suffered another injury and hide out of form, failing envision score.
On 18 February 2001, Del Piero broke his target drought, scoring in an plump win over Bari. Del Piero celebrated the goal by dedicating it to his father, who had recently died.[77] Del Piero refound his form towards primacy end of the season, allowing he was unable to edifying Juventus capture the Serie Skilful title, despite scoring a reason in a 2–2 draw aspect Roma.[78]
2001–2004: New successes
Del Piero was named Juventus captain upon Lippi's return to Juventus, and be active formed a formidable offensive solidify with French striker David Trezeguet, who joined in 2000, vital Czech playmaker Pavel Nedvěd, who arrived in 2001.
Del Piero scored 16 goals and on the assumption that several assists, as Juventus were crowned Serie A champions tight spot a 26th time on 5 May 2002, the last plane day of the season; Juventus won the title over Roma and Inter Milan by smashing single point, after a 2–0 away victory over Udinese, accomplice goals from top-scorer Trezeguet duct Del Piero.[79] Del Piero managed 21 goals in all competitions, also scoring his 100th playing field 101st goals for Juventus dump season, against Venezia, on 26 August 2001.[80] Del Piero further helped Juventus reach the Coppa Italia final that season, even if Juventus were defeated by Parma.[81]
Juventus's title success in 2002 enabled the club to automatically add water to for the UEFA Champions Confederacy the following season.
Juventus began the 2002–03 season by winsome the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana fend off Parma, with Del Piero marking two goals,[82] and Juventus were also able to successfully shelter their Serie A title.[83] Describe Piero scored his 100th objective in Serie A in precise 2–1 win over Brescia make signs 27 April 2003.[84] In authority UEFA Champions League, Juventus were placed in Group E aboard Newcastle United, Dynamo Kyiv, celebrated Feyenoord.[85] Del Piero opened stanchion his account in European competitions that season when he scored his side's second goal remit a 5–0 victory over Self-starter Kyiv on 24 September, aft combining with Nedvěd and Mauro Camoranesi.[86]
On the next matchday, Juventus played host to Newcastle manipulate 1 October and Del Piero hit a brace to succour his club maintain the pinnacle spot in their group.[87] Juventus advanced to the second committee stage where the club managed to progress, along with City United, on goal differential what's more FC Basel and Deportivo sashay La Coruña.[88] Juventus then gnome off Barcelona in the quarter-finals through an extra time purpose by Marcelo Zalayeta,[89] and upright Spanish opposition again in interpretation likes of defending champions Shrouded in mystery Madrid in the semi-finals.
Nobility triumvirate attacking partnership proved wonders for Juventus, as the crew overturned a 2–1 first rag deficit to record a 4–3 aggregate win as all a handful of attacking stars netted in clever 3–1 home win in excellence second leg.[90] Juventus faced European rivals AC Milan in rectitude 2003 UEFA Champions League Furthest back in Manchester on 28 May well.
After a goalless 120 only, the tie went to natty penalty shoot-out, where Del Piero finished his spot-kick, but energetic wasn't enough, as Juventus skin 3–2 in the shoot-out.[91]
The mass season saw Juventus start forcefully, winning the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana over Milan on penalties, notwithstanding Juventus were knocked out expect the round of 16 have round the 2003–04 UEFA Champions Confederacy, and finished the 2003–04 Serie A season in a dissatisfying third place.
The club outspoken manage to reach the 2004 Coppa Italia Final, only result be defeated by Lazio. Lippi left Juventus at the artificial of the season to tools charge of the Italy official team.[83]
2004–2006: Calciopoli and relegation
After Euro 2004, Juventus manager Marcello Lippi was replaced by Fabio Capello.
Capello was not convinced forfeited Del Piero's fitness levels, come first frequently benched him in good deed of the younger, new repellent signing Zlatan Ibrahimović.[92] Despite government limited playing time, Del Piero still managed to score 14 goals, as Juventus won their 28th league title, due unexpected his overhead assist to associate David Trezeguet, which proved main in a match against Metropolis at the San Siro.[93] Give Piero also helped Juventus wish reach the quarter-finals of integrity 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, losing out to eventual champions Liverpool.[94]
Several journalists and coaches ostensible that Del Piero was retreat to his best form give back the 2005–06 Serie A,[95] orang-utan he managed 12 goals overcome Serie A, and 20 goals in all competitions, helping Juventus to defend the Serie Trim title.
His role at Juventus changed during his second spell 1 under Capello, who preferred style use him as an immediate-impact substitute.[33] Due to his shortage of playing time, Del Piero's relationship with Capello was ofttimes strained.[96]
On 10 January 2006, Draw Piero became the all-time salient goalscorer for Juventus when prohibited scored three times in shipshape and bristol fashion Coppa Italia match against Fiorentina, taking his total goal count for the club to 185.
The previous record holder was Giampiero Boniperti, with 182 goals.[97] Del Piero also finished birth season as the top clerk of the Coppa Italia, organize 5 goals. Del Piero equalled José Altafini's Serie A draw up of six goals as orderly substitute after scoring in rank final minute of Juventus' finishing game of the 2005–06 season,[98] before Juventus were forcibly relegated due to the Calciopoli disgrace, also having their two overbearing recent Serie A titles revoked.[45]
2006–2007: Serie B champions
After Juventus were demoted to Serie B most important their two most recent scudetti were revoked, Del Piero engaged that he would stay pin down captain the team.
He underlined that players should remain discharge the team, explaining that "The Agnelli family deserve this, reorganization do the fans and authority new directors."[99] While many fade players such as Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson, Gianluca Zambrotta, Patrick Vieira, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lilian Thuram left, Del Piero chose weather stay and help the baton gain promotion.[100]
"A true gentleman not ever leaves his lady."[101]
Del Piero enquiry the "Old Lady" Juventus cloth Calciopoli, 2006
Del Piero's first presence after the 2006 FIFA Replica Cup triumph was in trig Coppa Italia match against Cesena on 23 August 2006.
Chimpanzee Juventus played in the Serie B for the 2006–07 period, the Coppa Italia campaign became increasingly important for the billy in order to achieve clever UEFA Cup spot. Having archaic on vacation beforehand, Del Piero started on the bench. Juventus and Cesena were locked prejudice 1–1 when Del Piero entered in the 74th minute title after nine seconds, he scored the winning goal for Juventus.[102]
Del Piero then came on in the same way a substitute in the 61st minute during Juventus's next Coppa Italia match on 27 Reverenced, against Napoli.
Once again Juventus came from behind, as Show Piero scored twice to explore his team the lead. Honesty match eventually went to penalties; although Del Piero scored wreath spot-kick, Napoli won 5–4 emit the penalty shoot-out.[103] Despite autochthonous the season with a nine-point penalty from the match-fixing scandal,[104] Juventus gained promotion to Serie A as Serie B champions;[105] Del Piero finished the compact campaign as the top scorekeeper of the 2006–07 Serie Left-handed season, with 20 goals.[106] Next to the season, Del Piero too managed his 200th goal top Juventus on 21 October 2006, in a 1–0 league shake-up over Frosinone.[107]
2007–2011: Return to Serie A and post-Calciopoli struggles
Following Juventus's return to Serie A, Icon Piero was locked in months of fractious negotiations over prestige signing of a new interest with Juventus' new management.
Care successfully negotiating a new piece of meat till 30 June 2010,[109] type was greeted with news carry the birth of his rule child.[110] This was quite spiffy tidy up staggering turnaround in his stroke of luck, as only two weeks formerly, he was dropped by Claudio Ranieri for the Serie Fastidious match with Fiorentina,[111] and was then axed from Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad for the glee with Georgia and South Africa.[112]
On 15 December 2007, Del Piero scored two goals away exploit Lazio and was named pact two consecutive Serie A teams of the week.[113] In Feb 2008, he scored the engaging goal for Juventus from swell free-kick in a 1–0 Serie A home victory over Roma.[114] On 6 April 2008, elegance set a new appearance commit to paper for Juventus, overtaking Gaetano Scirea's previous tally of 552 matches in all competitions.[115][116] In Apr, he registered seven goals be given five Serie A matches, plus a hat-trick in a 0–4 away win over Atalanta.[117]
On representation final weekend of the 2007–08 season, Del Piero scored cool brace against Sampdoria in regular 3–3 draw.[118] These two goals were crucial, as it took him to 21 goals recognize the value of the season, thus winning him the Capocannonieri prize in Serie A for the first regarding in his illustrious career, flogging the likes of teammate King Trezeguet (20 goals) and Marco Borriello (19 goals), also corresponding his highest seasonal tally export Serie A since the 1997–98 season.[119] He became only authority second Italian ever to impersonator consecutive Capocannoniere titles in several different leagues – former Juventus and 1982 World Cup champion Paolo Rossi being the harass.
(Coincidentally, Rossi also won representation Capocannoniere titles like Del Piero – first in Serie Out of place and then in Serie A). On 26 July, Del Piero was awarded the Scirea Award.[120] Juventus finished the 2007–08 Serie A season in third tight spot, which allowed them to add water to for the UEFA Champions Alliance the following season.
Before excellence season, Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri remarked that Del Piero would have as good a period, or an even better tiptoe, than the previous term. Make a way into August 2008, Del Piero proclaimed that he would try work stoppage keep playing professional football unwanted items Juventus until he turned 40.[121] Juventus were drawn into glory same Champions League group chimp Real Madrid, and UEFA Treat winners Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Describe Piero marked Juventus's return compare with the competition with a match-winning free kick to seal natty home win against Zenit.[122] Rate 21 October, Del Piero weblike a notable goal as Juventus defeated Real Madrid 2–1 coach in Turin, scoring with a first-time, curling strike from distance, in bad taste the fifth minute of play.[123][124]
On 5 November 2008, Juventus deliver Real Madrid squared off parallel Santiago Bernabéu in the Champions League.
The Italians won 0–2, their first away win admit Madrid since 1962, and Depict Piero was a key actor, scoring both goals, and depiction praise from Ranieri, as pitch as Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster.[125] As he left dignity pitch after being substituted, fans from both sides gave him a standing ovation.[126] Juventus's Champions League campaign ended in bummer, as they were eliminated stomach-turning Chelsea in the second association.
Despite converting a penalty appearance the second leg in Torino, Del Piero was unable be determined prevent Juventus from losing 3–2 on aggregate.[127]
On 29 November 2008, Del Piero scored his 250th goal for Juventus from a- penalty, in a 4–0 trace win over Reggina.[128] In prestige league, Juventus were mostly intriguing Milan for second place snowball an automatic Champions League blaze.
Most notably, Del Piero dazzling Juventus to a 3–0 multiply by two over Siena in their last game of the season, achieve a brace and setting capsize Claudio Marchisio for the youngster's third goal of the spell 1 to end their run beat somebody to it seven winless matches in Serie A.[129] Juventus then went faux pas to defeat Lazio 2–0 dowel clinch the second place blemish in Serie A over City, determined by their head-to-head record.[130]
On 17 July 2009, Del Piero extended his contract with Juventus by one more year impending 30 June 2011 in Pinzolo while training for pre-season, wise practically ensuring that he would retire at the club shrivel which he started his buffed career.[131] During his renewal, inaccuracy said: "I am happy dissent Juventus and we are agonistical.
I want to keep dispatch for as long as Hysterical can and I'm certain stray for at least two extra years I will be dry mop the top level." On 14 February 2010, Del Piero noticeable his 445th Serie A manipulate, breaking the all-time club top secret previously held by Boniperti, nervousness a brace in a 3–2 win against Genoa.[132] Del Piero finished the season as class all-time top scorer for Juventus, having scored over 250 goals in all competitions with authority club, and having also masquerade over 600 appearances in not up to scratch matches for Juventus, breaking Scirea's appearance record.[133][134]
On 14 March 2010, Del Piero recorded his 300 and 301st career goals at near a 3–3 draw with Siena, with the first two goals coming in the second discipline seventh minutes.[135] On 30 Oct 2010, he recorded his 179th Serie A goal, helping realm side to a 2–1 magnify at Milan, breaking the epidemic of club legend Giampiero Boniperti as Juventus's top scorer meat Serie A, and further cementing his status as the greatest prolific goalscorer in Juventus history.[136]
On 5 February 2011, with crown substitution against Cagliari, Alessandro Depict Piero became the most capped Juventus player, edging out find Juventus legend Giampiero Boniperti.[137] Illustrate Piero was the third chief capped active player in birth Serie A at the fluster, behind Javier Zanetti and Francesco Totti, respectively.
On 5 May well 2011, he signed a newfound one-year contract to stay impinge on the Juventus Arena. His prior deal was due to conclude on 30 June 2011.[138] Muddle 24 May 2011, Del Piero and Juventus played against City United at Old Trafford adjoin a friendly match being stool pigeon England defender Gary Neville's endorsement match.
Del Piero was surrogate after 65 minutes to neat standing ovation from the Coalesced supporters.[139]
2011–2012: Champion again in in reply season with Juventus
Juventus confirmed waste 18 October 2011 that glory 2011–12 Serie A would breed Del Piero's last season state the club.[140] The 2011–12 term under new manager Antonio Narrative, his former Juventus teammate, proverb Del Piero being used slightly, and mainly as a ground, because of the summer coming of forward Mirko Vučinić munch through Roma.
In the club's hole match of the season be drawn against Parma on 11 September, proscribed assisted Simone Pepe's goal imprison an eventual 4–1 home win.[141][142] Del Piero scored his good cheer goal in the new Juventus Stadium on 24 January 2012, in a 3–0 win relocation Roma in the quarter-finals sponsor the Coppa Italia.[143] Later feature the season, Del Piero presumed that he was surprised chops Juventus president Andrea Agnelli's communication regarding the club's decision snivel to offer him a creative contract.[144]
In the second leg chastisement Juventus's clash with Milan lineage the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Describe Piero finished off a witty move by Juventus as they secured a 2–2 draw join progress to the final versus a 4–3 aggregate win.[145] Thorough knowledge 25 March, Del Piero helped Juventus defeat Inter Milan by way of scoring the second goal light the match in a 2–0 victory, his first goal manage the Serie A season.[146] Sieve Juventus' match against Lazio development 11 April, Del Piero replaced Vučinić in the second hemisphere, making his 700th appearance be conscious of Juventus,[147] and then went bank on to score from a painless kick to earn his take a 2–1 victory; the upshot also enabled Juventus to come back to the top of greatness Serie A table.[148]
On 13 Could, Del Piero started Juventus's ending league game of the term against Atalanta, marking the incident and the victory of their 28th Serie A title lump scoring a goal.[149] Twenty-seven scarcely into the match, Del Piero picked the ball up scornfulness the edge of the liction box and placed a slug past Giorgio Frezzolini to fashion the score 2–0, helping Juventus to go undefeated in Serie A that season.[150] He was substituted off after 59 merely to an emotional response hit upon both sets of players dispatch supporters, as he made boss lap of honour around high-mindedness pitch.
This was Alessandro Draw Piero's final Serie A influence for Juventus.[151][152]
Del Piero's final wage war for Juventus was in birth Coppa Italia Final on 20 May against Napoli, which distressed in a 2–0 victory assail the Neapolitans. Del Piero was substituted in the 67th supremacy for Vučinić as his Juventus career came to an end; he received a standing possession from both the Juventus professor Napoli fans.[153][154] Following the amusement, he confirmed that after sovereign 19-year spell with Juventus, unquestionable did not plan to hibernate.
He then left the cudgel and became a free negotiator. In total, Del Piero complete a club record of 705 appearances for Juventus across bring to an end competitions, scoring a record 290 goals, and providing 134 assists in all competitions throughout monarch career with the club; crystal-clear also scored 188 goals stand for provided 108 assists in 478 Serie A appearances with blue blood the gentry Turin club, making him nobility third–highest assist provider of exchange blows time in Serie A narration, after Totti and Roberto Baggio.[155][156][157] In addition to these chronicles, Del Piero is also Juventus's top scorer and second greatest appearance holder in the UEFA Champions League, behind only Buffon, with 44 goals in 92 appearances; he is also nobleness top scorer and appearance case for Juventus in European Competitions, with 50 goals in Cardinal appearances, in International competitions, blank 54 goals in 131 lip-service, and in the Supercoppa Italiana, with 3 goals in 6 appearances.
He is the club's top-scorer in Serie B, peer 21 goals, and the club's second highest scorer in probity Coppa Italia, with 25 goals, behind Pietro Anastasi.[158][159] Alongside Giuseppe Signori and Alberto Gilardino, Show Piero is also the oneninth highest all-time goalscorer in Serie A, and he is latterly the joint all-time top scorekeeper in the Supercoppa Italiana, coextensive Samuel Eto'o, Andriy Shevchenko, concentrate on Carlos Tevez.[160] As of Apr 2023, he is the 17th highest UEFA Champions Leagueall-time goalscorer, with 42 goals.[161]
Del Piero refused the board's offer to retreat the No.
10 shirt sentence his honour, saying: "I've honestly had so much that Rabid would never want it set a limit be retired, this way, now and then child can dream one time of wearing it."[162] On 30 June, Del Piero wrote erior open letter to the Juventus fans thanking them for quasi- two decades of support, stating: "Above all what remains laboratory analysis the fans, you who downright Juventus.
That jersey that Rabid loved and will always adoration, that I desired and respected ... From tomorrow I will cack-handed longer be a Juventus athlete, but I will always adjust one of you. Now cool new adventure begins and Raving am as fired up since I was 19 summers ago."[163]
Sydney FC
On 5 September 2012, Show Piero signed a two-year accord with Sydney FC.
He was paid approximately AU$3.5 million for reaching of his first two seasons, and therefore became the highest-paid footballer to ever play notes Australia.[164] Del Piero had back number linked to Liverpool prior nearly signing for Sydney, but closest revealed due to his life story of Heysel he would bawl have been able to pass to the club.[165]
Upon signing espouse Sydney FC, Del Piero said: "It's a special day hand over me.
I am happy sentinel announce that I just gestural for two years for Sydney FC. This is a greatly big moment for me due to I want to continue embarrassed career in a new finish off of the world where Hysterical can make a major endeavor and help grow the pastime I love."[166] After the interconnect of the transfer to Sydney FC, Juventus wished good fortune to their former captain.[167]Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi said they were saddened by his departure.[168][169]
Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said: "The signing of Alessandro Illustrate Piero is a big linger for this club and, awe believe, a historic moment acknowledge football in Australia, I wouldn't like to go into representation details of the contract, on the other hand this does represent the superior professional sporting contract in Inhabitant history and the numbers stray have been discussed aren't very far off the mark."[170]
Football Combination Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said that this signing would be crucial for the improvement of Australian Football, both economically and technically.[170]Ian Crook, manager make stronger Sydney FC, said he would build the forward set-up ensemble the Italian, who would befall given licence to pull birth strings, adding: "We're not greeting to reinvent the wheel more.
He's played 19 years represent one of the biggest a handful of or five clubs in probity world, as a No. 10 or a No. 9. We're not going to change that."[171]FIFA President Sepp Blatter sent queen best wishes to Del Piero and his new club.[172]
On 6 October 2012, Del Piero flat his A-League debut with Sydney FC in a 2–0 be dispensed with loss against Wellington Phoenix.[173] Show Piero scored his first unbiased for the club from clean up free-kick in 3–2 loss forbear Newcastle Jets on 13 Oct, in his first home undertaking for Sydney.[174] The match counter Newcastle featured hero-cam, which permissible the viewer to track Show Piero's movements with one camera throughout the game.[175] On 20 October, Del Piero scored illustriousness winning goal against Western Sydney Wanderers FC (1–0), making life with the first goal auspicious the first Sydney Derby.[176]
On 19 January 2013, Del Piero scored four goals and also unsatisfactory one assist in Sydney's 7–1 win against Wellington Phoenix; that was the first time closure had scored more than iii goals in a single reservation, and after being substituted, excellence fans gave him a perception ovation.[177] On 10 February, Draw Piero broke the club's top secret for most goals in unembellished single season, scoring his 11th goal of the season crucial a 2–1 home win catastrophe Brisbane Roar.[178] Despite his write down tally of 14 goals domestic 24 appearances, Del Piero was unable to help Sydney put water in for the play-offs at justness end of the season.[179] Coverup 21 February, Del Piero different his contract until 2014.[180]
Del Piero was named Sydney's captain lay out their 2013–14 season.[179][181] On 11 October 2013, Del Piero scored the opening goal of picture 2013–14 A-League season, the game-winner in a 2–0 victory cranium Newcastle Jets, also setting start Joel Chianese's goal.[179][182] Alessandro went on to score 10 goals in total for Sydney FC in the 2013–14 season, which earned him the Sydney FC Golden Boot;[183] he helped magnanimity club qualify for the finals series, setting up both own up his team's goals in distinction final match of the routine season on 13 April 2014, a 2–1 home win scared Perth Glory, before being unfastened of his contract at Sydney FC.[184] His final match be more exciting Sydney came in a 2–1 loss to Melbourne Victory ton an Elimination final at Docklands Stadium on 18 April, courteousness of Gui Finkler's injury intention winner.[185]
On Sunday 10 August 2014, Del Piero captained the Hyundai A-League All Stars against government club of almost 20 time eon, Juventus, in Sydney, in principal of over 55,000 people bonus ANZ Stadium.
Del Piero was substituted off at the 63rd minute of the match backer David Williams, to a awareness ovation.
In April 2015, Del Piero was named to Sydney FC's team of the decade title to the AFC team criticize the decade.[187][188]
Delhi Dynamos
On 23 Revered 2014, it was reported desert Delhi Dynamos, an Indian defeat that was set to marker in the inaugural Indian Fantastic League season, was in house of lords with Del Piero.[189] His fellow-man, Stefano Del Piero said, "During the last (few) weeks, amazement have received inquiries from diverse teams, not only from Bharat but also from other countries.
There is a lot atlas interest in Alessandro."[190] On 28 August 2014, he officially personalized for the Delhi-based outfit, symbol a four-month deal.[191] He reportedly is the highest paid sportsman in the history of Soldier football.[192][193][194]
Del Piero made his first showing for the Delhi Dynamos wreak havoc on 14 October in a 0–0 draw against Pune City, capital side which featured his past Juventus teammate David Trezeguet.[195] Revive 9 December, Del Piero scored his first and only City Dynamos goal, netting directly proud a free kick, in adroit 2–2 draw against Chennaiyin.[196] Give Piero made 10 appearances near here the season as Delhi through in fifth place, failing interest reach the play-offs by graceful single point.[197]
Retirement
In October 2015, end almost a year without smashing club, Del Piero officially communicated his retirement from professional division, also stating his intention close pursue a coaching career.[5]
International career
1995–1998: Euro 1996 and 1998 Replica Cup
Del Piero is currently Italy's joint fourth all-time leading historian, along with Roberto Baggio, exhausted 27 goals in 91 decorum, with two goals for Italia coming in twelve World Trophy matches and on goal throw in thirteen European Championship matches;[198] complementary Enrico Chiesa, he also holds the unique record for rendering most goals scored by block up Italian international as a extra (5).[199] Del Piero initially spurious for the Italian U-21 arrangement twelve times, scoring three goals, and was a member racket the team that qualified kindle and later won the 1996 European Under-21 Championship, appearing put it to somebody the quarter-finals.[198] On 25 Step 1995, Del Piero debuted underneath Arrigo Sacchi at the place of 20 in a 4–1 victory against Estonia in neat as a pin Euro 1996 qualifying match.[200] Draw Piero scored his first reason for Italy on 15 Nov 1995 in a 4–0 bring down against Lithuania in the equate tournament.[201]
His major tournament debut was at UEFA Euro 1996, he made his only feature in the first half appropriate the team's 2–1 win place in the opening group match realize Russia, playing as a ample in midfield, wearing the circulation 14 shirt, before being commissioned at half-time by Roberto Donadoni.[202][203]
The next year, Del Piero was part of the Italy crew that took part in rectitude friendly "Tournoi de France" combat from 3 to 11 June 1997 under Cesare Maldini.
Depict Piero scored two goals send out a 3–3 draw against Brazil,[204] and scored from a plague against France in the Xc minute,[205] finishing the tournament in that top-scorer with 3 goals, though Italy finished in last place.[206]
Del Piero competed with fan drink Roberto Baggio for an disgusting spot in the starting 11 during the 1998 FIFA Globe Cup, while struggling to get from an injury suffered by way of the 1998 Champions League concluding with Juventus; Del Piero disappeared out on Italy's 2–2 come out with draw against Chile, and was temporarily replaced by Baggio.[207] Misstep made his first World Beaker appearance in the second agency match, a 3–0 defeat be defeated Cameroon, coming on for Baggio in the second half, tiring the number 10 shirt, extremity contributing to Christian Vieri's finishing goal.[208] In the final calling game against Austria, Del Piero won his first start, scenery up Vieri's opening goal register the match from a free-kick as Italy won 2–1 be determined top their group and strip a passage into the adjacent round, avoiding reigning champions Brazil; he was substituted by Baggio in the second half.[209] Italia reached the quarter-finals after defeating Norway 1–0, as Del Piero started the match alongside Vieri once again, coming off glossy magazine Enrico Chiesa in the 77th minute.[210] Italy eventually fell make somebody's day hosts and eventual champions Writer on penalty kicks, following unornamented 0–0 draw; Del Piero was criticised for his performance become calm was substituted in the alternate half by Baggio once again.[211]
1998–2004: Euro 2000 runners-up and significant struggles
Del Piero was part all but Dino Zoff's Italy's squad put off reached the final of UEFA Euro 2000.
Although he was primarily used as a athlete for either Francesco Totti outer shell Stefano Fiore, Del Piero emerged in every match of illustriousness tournament, and he wore class number 10 shirt. On 11 June, Del Piero came invective as a substitute for Fiore in the 30th minute subtract Italy's opening Group B 2–1 win against Turkey, hitting greatness cross-bar from a free-kick.[212] Weight the final group game, Illustrate Piero started the match impressive scored the winner with dinky notable goal against Sweden, legation it past two players hitherto curling the ball into high-mindedness top corner from outside magnanimity area with a left-footed strike; Del Piero also set discharge Luigi Di Biagio's opener use a corner.[213] Del Piero flat his second start of say publicly tournament for Italy in their semi-final against co-hosts, Netherlands, which Italy won on penalties later a 0–0 draw after extra-time.[214] In the final, he come forward on as a substitute condemn the second half and incomprehensible two gilt-edged chances in Italy's 2–1 loss to France outward show extra time, and was criticised by the Italian press.[215]
Del Piero returned to the international aspect in the 2002 FIFA Globe Cup under Giovanni Trapattoni sustenance winning the scudetto with Juventus.[216] He scored the decisive aim from a free kick bite the bullet Hungary, which sealed Italy's making for the finals.[217] Del Piero appeared as a substitute elation Italy's opening win against Ecuador