Alex del piero biography of donald
Alessandro Del Piero
Italian footballer (born 1974)
"Del Piero" redirects here. For representation Italian Brazilian footballer, see Yago Del Piero.
In this article, rectitude surname is Del Piero, not Piero.
Alessandro Del PieroUfficiale OMRI[3][4] (Italian pronunciation:[alesˈsandrodelˈpjɛːro]; born 9 November 1974) is an Romance former professional footballer who expressly played as a second hem in, although he was capable pursuit playing in several offensive positions.[5][6][7][8] Since 2015, he has hollow as a pundit for Vault of heaven 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 probity Year award in 1998 favour 2008 and received multiple nominations for the Ballon d'Or topmost FIFA World Player of character Year.
A prolific goal-scorer, take action is currently the second paramount all-time Italian top-scorer in collective competitions, with 346 goals, end only Silvio Piola, with 390 goals; he is also picture joint ninth highest goalscorer problem Serie A history, with 188 goals, alongside Giuseppe Signori station Alberto Gilardino.[15][16][17][18][19][20] After beginning wreath career with Italian club Padova in Serie B in 1991, he moved to Juventus inspect 1993, where he played have a thing about 19 seasons (11 as captain), and holds the club papers for most goals (290) coupled with appearances (705).
During his put on the back burner at the club, he won six Serie A titles, nobility Coppa Italia, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, the UEFA Champions Band, the UEFA Super Cup, significance UEFA Intertoto Cup, and interpretation Intercontinental Cup. After leaving say publicly club in 2012, he too spent two seasons with Aussie side Sydney FC; he desolate in 2014, after a ready with Delhi Dynamos FC suspend the Indian Super League.
Del Piero has scored in all competition in which he has participated.[21] In 2004, he was named in the FIFA Centred, a list of the Cardinal greatest living footballers selected afford Pelé as a part clamour FIFA's centenary celebrations.[22] In high-mindedness same year, he was further voted into the UEFA Halcyon Jubilee Poll, a list indicate the 50 best European dramatis personae of the past 50 years.[23] Along with six awards make happen Italy for gentlemanly conduct,[24][25] flair has also won the Palmy Foot award, which pertains envision personality as well as completion ability.
At international level, Describe Piero has also represented grandeur Italy national team at link FIFA World Cups and quaternion UEFA European Football Championships, apogee notably winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and reaching loftiness final of UEFA Euro 2000 with Italy. He is character joint fourth highest scorer carry the Italy national team, accost 27 goals, alongside Roberto Baggio, and behind only Silvio Piola with 30 goals, Giuseppe Meazza with 33 goals, and Luigi Riva with 35 goals; fitting 91 appearances for Italy 'tween 1995 and 2008, he quite good also his nation's eleventh-most capped player of all-time.
In consummate career Del Piero scored 462 goals.[26]
Early life
Del Piero was whelped in Conegliano, Veneto, the bunkum of Gino, an electrician, build up Bruna, a housekeeper.[27] He unceremoniously played football in the lawn with two friends, Nelso meticulous Pierpaolo, as a child.
Detachment three dreamed of becoming footballers but only Del Piero would eventually manage to do so.[28] His older brother, Stefano, for a short while played professional football for Sampdoria before an injury curtailed reward career; he later worked makeover his younger brother's agent.[29] Class family lived in the sort of Saccon, a rural straightforward in San Vendemiano.[30] While ontogeny up, Del Piero's family sincere not have much money be directed at travelling abroad, so he accounted being a lorry driver condemn order to see the world.[31]
While playing for the local immaturity team of San Vendemiano,[32] Illustrate Piero used to feature considerably a goalkeeper in order ploy gain more playing time.
Fillet mother thought it would substance better for him to surpass in this role, as noteworthy would not sweat, and ethics possibility of him getting skinned was less likely. His fellow Stefano commented to their sluggishness that, due to his ability, the younger Del Piero was more suited to playing compile a more offensive position, fairy story he switched to a sincere role.[30]
Club career
1991–1993: Early career captivated debut with Padova
Del Piero began his rise to professional sward in 1981, in the ranks of San Vendemiano.
In 1988, Del Piero was first dappled by scouts, and he residue home at the young extract of 13 to play expanse the youth side of Padova.[33] He joined the senior exterior during the 1991–92 season, mass the age of 16, tell off at the age of 17, he made his debut snare Serie B against Messina, mess up manager Mauro Sandreani, on 15 March 1992, coming on introduce a substitute for Roberto Putelli.[34] The following season, on 22 November 1992, he scored coronet first professional goal in wonderful 5–0 victory over Ternana.[35] Deduct 1993, thanks to Giampiero Boniperti, Del Piero was bought uninviting Juventus for five billionlire, fumble an overlap of 150 million lire per season.[36]
Juventus
1993–1998: Early domestic unthinkable European success
In 1993, Del Piero transferred to Juventus and faked for the Torinese club keep watch on 19 seasons until being unattached in the summer of 2012.[37] Although manager Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that he trained with authority senior team, he initially influenced with the Primavera squad, which was coached by Antonello Cuccureddu, helping the Juventus Youth arrangement to win both the 1994 Torneo di Viareggio, and authority 1994 U-20 championship.[38] Del Piero made his Serie A introduction against Foggia on 12 Sep 1993 under Trapattoni, as excellent substitute, and he scored reward first goal in his abide by game against Reggiana on 19 September, after coming off picture bench once again.
On reward full debut for Juventus, smartness netted a hat-trick against Parma.[39] After his promising performances, Describe Piero began to be deployed with more continuity, and unwind managed 14 appearances for Juventus that season between youth matches, league matches, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Cup, score 5 goals, which all came in Serie A, as Juventus finished the season in in a tick place in the league.[40]
The 1994–95 Serie A season saw Marcello Lippi take over as Juventus manager, as well as decency introduction of a new gang of directors, made up locate Giraudo, Roberto Bettega, and Luciano Moggi; Del Piero played smart more prominent role for prestige club that season following Roberto Baggio's injury in November anti Padova.
Del Piero temporarily took his place in the chief team alongside Gianluca Vialli tube Fabrizio Ravanelli, flourishing at nobleness opportunity given to him, refuse Juventus went on to growth their first scudetto in ninespot years. Del Piero scored 8 goals in Serie A delay season, including a match-winning faulty volley against Fiorentina.[41] Del Piero was also able to catch a rare double, and crystalclear captured the 1994–95 Coppa Italia with Juventus, defeating their ready rivals Parma in the concluding, although they were defeated make wet Parma in the 1995 UEFA Cup Final.[42] During this previous, Del Piero earned the tag Pinturicchio due to the same level between his own technical soar tactical characteristics, and Baggio's inspired style of play.[43] This soubriquet arose when former president Gianni Agnelli compared the emerging gift Del Piero to the awakening artist Pinturicchio, who was high-mindedness student of the great Romance renaissance artist Raphael (Raffaello), marvellous nickname he had used without delay describe Baggio, to emphasise fillet elegance on the ball.[27] Illustrate Piero placed fourth in rendering 1995 Ballon d'Or for coronate performances throughout the season.[44] Traffic the Turin club, Del Piero won the Serie A magnitude times, although the 2005 slab 2006 titles were revoked ridiculous to Juventus's involvement in rendering 2006 Italian football scandal.[45]
For nobility 1995–96 season, Del Piero was awarded Baggio's No.
10 company number, which had also heretofore belonged to Michel Platini, closest his departure to A.C. City. Del Piero scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists swindle Serie A, although Juventus hone the season in second form ranks behind Milan. Del Piero exact manage to capture the Supercoppa Italiana in 1995, over Parma, setting up Vialli's only ambition of the match.[42] He extremely played a key role suggestion helping Juventus to win greatness 1995–96 UEFA Champions League, attain 6 goals in the participator, and finishing as the without fear or favour highest scorer of the tournament.[46]
The following season, Del Piero followed these victories up with grandeur 1996 UEFA Super Cup fairy story the 1996 Intercontinental Cup, achieve goals in both finals, reprove being named Man of leadership Match in the latter final; he also won the Debunker Award (as the best U-23 player in European Competitions), skull placed 4th in the 1996 Ballon d'Or for the above consecutive year.[42][47][48] Del Piero very captured his second Serie Grand title with Juventus that time, and helped lead Juventus pick up their second consecutive Champions Confederation final, although he was ineffectual to start the match finish to injury.[49] During the reserve stage, en route to prestige final, he helped Juventus give rise to qualify for the quarter-finals cool match early, scoring a argument in Juventus's 1–0 win cool Manchester United at Old Trafford, on 20 November 1996; that was the first time think about it an Italian team had cringing Manchester United at their habitat ground.[50] In the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, he came off the bench to indication a goal with a back-heel, which was unable to say no Juventus from losing 3–1 make somebody's acquaintance Borussia Dortmund.[51] Due to jurisdiction performances throughout the calendar era, Del Piero received nominations fetch both the 1997 FIFA Pretend Player of the Year, finish sixth[52] and the 1997 Ballon d'Or.[53] Del Piero began illustriousness following campaign strongly by captivating the 1997 Supercoppa Italiana, organization a strong offensive unit partner Juventus teammates Zinedine Zidane show midfield, and newcomer Filippo Inzaghi upfront.
The 1997–98 Serie Trim campaign was his best opportunity ripe yet, as he scored ingenious joint career best of 21 goals in Serie A, predominant finished top scorer in integrity 1997–98 UEFA Champions League plea bargain 10 goals,[54] one of which included a freekick and nifty hat-trick against Monaco in glory semi-finals.[55] With these goals, why not?
helped Juventus to reach their third consecutive Champions League valedictory, although Del Piero was mewl fully fit for the match,[56] and Juventus were once come again defeated, falling 1–0 to Authentic Madrid from a strike outdo Predrag Mijatović on 20 May.[57] Domestic success, however, was effected that season, after a fast battle with Inter Milan, hoot Juventus celebrated its 25th Serie A title over their European rivals, with Del Piero score a memorable and decisive isolated match-winning goal during the dubitable Derby d'Italia match.[58][59] Del Piero also managed a goal bond the 1997–98 Coppa Italia turn this way season, helping Juventus to high-mindedness semi-finals, and finishing the period with a career best ceremony 32 goals in all competitions.
Del Piero was awarded significance Serie A Italian Footballer be in the region of the Year award for sovereignty performances,[60] and he was along with nominated for the 1998 Ballon d'Or. During this time, subside was nicknamed by the fans as Il Fenomeno Vero[61] ("The Real Phenomenon"), in comparison reach 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 tweak a 2–1 defeat in decency 1998 Supercoppa Italiana at goodness hands of Lazio, although Draw Piero was able to point from a penalty.[63] On 8 November 1998, Del Piero apple of someone\'s eye up a serious knee harm in the final minutes detailed a 2–2 draw with Udinese;[64] this kept him out succeed action for the remainder waste the season, as he managed only 2 goals.
The cudgel struggled without him, finishing rendering league season in a lacking sixth place.[66] Juventus did frank to reach the semi-finals disruption the 1998–99 UEFA Champions Band, losing out to eventual champions Manchester United. Following his earnest injury, Del Piero underwent regular muscle strengthening regime in prime to adapt to the more and more more physical and athletic assertion of twenty-first century football, which allowed him to compensate look after the loss of some adequate his pace and agility.[67] Justification to his dramatic weight show signs of and physical development during that period, as well as primacy club's success during the incompetent to late 90s,[68] Del Piero, along with several other Juventus players and staff members, was claimed of being involved demand illegal performance-enhancing drug abuse;[68] astern a lengthy investigation, the club's staff members incriminated were ultimately cleared of all doping allegations in 2005.[69][70]
During the next course under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Del Piero primarily served primate an assist-man, providing 14 assists in Serie A, the ceiling in the league that patch, and 20 in all competitions.[71] He faced criticism, however, pay money for his inability to score acquit yourself open play following his cut the previous season, as single one of his 9 Serie A goals that season was in open play (a everything against Parma), with the advantage coming from penalties.[71] Furthermore, repute the end of the occasion, his once excellent attacking multinational with Inzaghi became less efficient, due to Inzaghi's individualism, little well as the pair's shortage of understanding and strained bond both on and off loftiness pitch.[72][73][74] Del Piero helped Juventus to capture the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup that season, which allowed Juventus to qualify will the UEFA Cup; overall, put your feet up scored 12 goals in skilful competitions, as Juventus narrowly forfeited out on the Serie Neat title.
In 2000, Del Piero was the world's best-paid tract player from salaries, bonuses, with the addition of advertising revenue.[75]
The following season axiom Juventus suffer another disappointing worst losing out on the 2000–01 Serie A title once take up again, this time to Roma. Juventus and Del Piero began excellence season strongly, and Del Piero scored the winner on emperor season debut against Napoli put the finishing touches to 30 September,[76] although he late suffered another injury and tegument casing out of form, failing make longer score.
On 18 February 2001, Del Piero broke his neutral drought, scoring in an opportunity 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 nobility end of the season, conj albeit he was unable to facilitate Juventus capture the Serie Top-notch title, despite scoring a target in a 2–2 draw be against Roma.[78]
2001–2004: New successes
Del Piero was named Juventus captain upon Lippi's return to Juventus, and recognized formed a formidable offensive stiffen with French striker David Trezeguet, who joined in 2000, duct Czech playmaker Pavel Nedvěd, who arrived in 2001.
Del Piero scored 16 goals and in case several assists, as Juventus were crowned Serie A champions on the road to a 26th time on 5 May 2002, the last counterpart day of the season; Juventus won the title over Roma and Inter Milan by spruce single point, after a 2–0 away victory over Udinese, large goals from top-scorer Trezeguet don Del Piero.[79] Del Piero managed 21 goals in all competitions, also scoring his 100th contemporary 101st goals for Juventus defer season, against Venezia, on 26 August 2001.[80] Del Piero further helped Juventus reach the Coppa Italia final that season, granted Juventus were defeated by Parma.[81]
Juventus's title success in 2002 enabled the club to automatically fit out for the UEFA Champions Combination the following season.
Juventus began the 2002–03 season by delectable the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana mention Parma, with Del Piero do two goals,[82] and Juventus were also able to successfully defence their Serie A title.[83] Illustrate Piero scored his 100th argument in Serie A in a-okay 2–1 win over Brescia turn up 27 April 2003.[84] In decency UEFA Champions League, Juventus were placed in Group E abut Newcastle United, Dynamo Kyiv, take up Feyenoord.[85] Del Piero opened come to blows his account in European competitions that season when he scored his side's second goal valve a 5–0 victory over Self-starter Kyiv on 24 September, afterward combining with Nedvěd and Mauro Camoranesi.[86]
On the next matchday, Juventus played host to Newcastle pomposity 1 October and Del Piero hit a brace to value his club maintain the summit spot in their group.[87] Juventus advanced to the second genre stage where the club managed to progress, along with City United, on goal differential truly FC Basel and Deportivo steal La Coruña.[88] Juventus then maxim off Barcelona in the quarter-finals through an extra time map by Marcelo Zalayeta,[89] and famous Spanish opposition again in rank likes of defending champions Wonderful Madrid in the semi-finals.
Probity triumvirate attacking partnership proved wonders for Juventus, as the prepare overturned a 2–1 first platform deficit to record a 4–3 aggregate win as all threesome attacking stars netted in far-out 3–1 home win in honesty second leg.[90] Juventus faced Romance rivals AC Milan in illustriousness 2003 UEFA Champions League Ending in Manchester on 28 May well.
After a goalless 120 transactions, the tie went to top-hole penalty shoot-out, where Del Piero finished his spot-kick, but face protector wasn't enough, as Juventus coating 3–2 in the shoot-out.[91]
The closest season saw Juventus start powerfully, winning the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana over Milan on penalties, even if Juventus were knocked out execute the round of 16 unadorned the 2003–04 UEFA Champions Cohort, and finished the 2003–04 Serie A season in a lacking third place.
The club upfront manage to reach the 2004 Coppa Italia Final, only top be defeated by Lazio. Lippi left Juventus at the purpose of the season to dampen charge of the Italy formal team.[83]
2004–2006: Calciopoli and relegation
After Euro 2004, Juventus manager Marcello Lippi was replaced by Fabio Capello.
Capello was not convinced have possession of Del Piero's fitness levels, abide frequently benched him in kind deed of the younger, new repugnant signing Zlatan Ibrahimović.[92] Despite dominion limited playing time, Del Piero still managed to score 14 goals, as Juventus won their 28th league title, due obtain his overhead assist to partner David Trezeguet, which proved determinant in a match against Metropolis at the San Siro.[93] Depict Piero also helped Juventus in half a shake reach the quarter-finals of rendering 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, single losing out to eventual champions Liverpool.[94]
Several journalists and coaches estimated that Del Piero was tone of voice to his best form wring the 2005–06 Serie A,[95] despite the fact that he managed 12 goals count on Serie A, and 20 goals in all competitions, helping Juventus to defend the Serie Orderly title.
His role at Juventus changed during his second interval under Capello, who preferred joke use him as an immediate-impact substitute.[33] Due to his failure of playing time, Del Piero's relationship with Capello was many times strained.[96]
On 10 January 2006, Describe Piero became the all-time radiant goalscorer for Juventus when inaccuracy scored three times in pure Coppa Italia match against Fiorentina, taking his total goal agree for the club to 185.
The previous record holder was Giampiero Boniperti, with 182 goals.[97] Del Piero also finished probity season as the top registrar of the Coppa Italia, pick up again 5 goals. Del Piero equalled José Altafini's Serie A epidemic of six goals as first-class substitute after scoring in birth final minute of Juventus' finishing game of the 2005–06 season,[98] before Juventus were forcibly relegated due to the Calciopoli outrage, also having their two outdo recent Serie A titles revoked.[45]
2006–2007: Serie B champions
After Juventus were demoted to Serie B focus on their two most recent scudetti were revoked, Del Piero promised that he would stay prove captain the team.
He underlined that players should remain occur the team, explaining that "The Agnelli family deserve this, considerably do the fans and blue blood the gentry new directors."[99] While many critical players such as Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson, Gianluca Zambrotta, Patrick Vieira, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lilian Thuram left, Del Piero chose finish off stay and help the bat gain promotion.[100]
"A true gentleman on no occasion leaves his lady."[101]
Del Piero stress the "Old Lady" Juventus amid Calciopoli, 2006
Del Piero's first publication after the 2006 FIFA Sphere Cup triumph was in capital Coppa Italia match against Cesena on 23 August 2006.
Bit Juventus played in the Serie B for the 2006–07 stretch, the Coppa Italia campaign became increasingly important for the staff in order to achieve a- UEFA Cup spot. Having anachronistic on vacation beforehand, Del Piero started on the bench. Juventus and Cesena were locked scratch 1–1 when Del Piero entered in the 74th minute lecturer after nine seconds, he scored the winning goal for Juventus.[102]
Del Piero then came on monkey a substitute in the 61st minute during Juventus's next Coppa Italia match on 27 Esteemed, against Napoli.
Once again Juventus came from behind, as Icon Piero scored twice to take his team the lead. Representation match eventually went to penalties; although Del Piero scored consummate spot-kick, Napoli won 5–4 spitting image the penalty shoot-out.[103] Despite 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 contemporary campaign as the top clerk of the 2006–07 Serie Unskilled season, with 20 goals.[106] Meanwhile the season, Del Piero as well managed his 200th goal narrow Juventus on 21 October 2006, in a 1–0 league make unhappy over Frosinone.[107]
2007–2011: Return to Serie A and post-Calciopoli struggles
Following Juventus's return to Serie A, Give Piero was locked in months of fractious negotiations over honourableness signing of a new problem with Juventus' new management.
Puzzle out successfully negotiating a new transmit till 30 June 2010,[109] take action was greeted with news scholarship the birth of his be in first place child.[110] This was quite expert staggering turnaround in his stroke of luck, as only two weeks under, he was dropped by Claudio Ranieri for the Serie Unadorned match with Fiorentina,[111] and was then axed from Roberto Donadoni's Italy squad for the rejoicing with Georgia and South Africa.[112]
On 15 December 2007, Del Piero scored two goals away send up Lazio and was named take a break two consecutive Serie A teams of the week.[113] In Feb 2008, he scored the endearing goal for Juventus from clean free-kick in a 1–0 Serie A home victory over Roma.[114] On 6 April 2008, elegance set a new appearance not to be disclosed for Juventus, overtaking Gaetano Scirea's previous tally of 552 matches in all competitions.[115][116] In Apr, he registered seven goals appearance five Serie A matches, with a hat-trick in a 0–4 away win over Atalanta.[117]
On representation final weekend of the 2007–08 season, Del Piero scored undiluted brace against Sampdoria in smashing 3–3 draw.[118] These two goals were crucial, as it took him to 21 goals support the season, thus winning him the Capocannonieri prize in Serie A for the first disgust in his illustrious career, birching the likes of teammate Painter Trezeguet (20 goals) and Marco Borriello (19 goals), also complementary his highest seasonal tally interpolate Serie A since the 1997–98 season.[119] He became only justness second Italian ever to trap consecutive Capocannoniere titles in deuce different leagues – former Juventus and 1982 World Cup leading character Paolo Rossi being the else.
(Coincidentally, Rossi also won description Capocannoniere titles like Del Piero – first in Serie All thumbs 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 relocate, which allowed them to make eligible for the UEFA Champions Association the following season.
Before rendering season, Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri remarked that Del Piero would have as good a stretch, or an even better disposed, than the previous term. Stop off August 2008, Del Piero proclaimed that he would try equal keep playing professional football finetune Juventus until he turned 40.[121] Juventus were drawn into influence same Champions League group gorilla Real Madrid, and UEFA Mug 1 winners Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Draw Piero marked Juventus's return extremity the competition with a match-winning free kick to seal a-okay home win against Zenit.[122] Constitution 21 October, Del Piero lacy a notable goal as Juventus defeated Real Madrid 2–1 subtract Turin, scoring with a first-time, curling strike from distance, crucial the fifth minute of play.[123][124]
On 5 November 2008, Juventus predominant Real Madrid squared off watch Santiago Bernabéu in the Champions League.
The Italians won 0–2, their first away win opposed Madrid since 1962, and Draw Piero was a key thespian, scoring both goals, and haulage praise from Ranieri, as successfully as Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster.[125] As he left description pitch after being substituted, fans from both sides gave him a standing ovation.[126] Juventus's Champions League campaign ended in nonfulfilment, as they were eliminated alongside Chelsea in the second obviate.
Despite converting a penalty pulsate the second leg in City, Del Piero was unable undertake prevent Juventus from losing 3–2 on aggregate.[127]
On 29 November 2008, Del Piero scored his 250th goal for Juventus from shipshape and bristol fashion penalty, in a 4–0 population win over Reggina.[128] In description league, Juventus were mostly hard Milan for second place nearby an automatic Champions League paleness.
Most notably, Del Piero impassioned Juventus to a 3–0 fabricate over Siena in their penultima game of the season, attain a brace and setting extremity Claudio Marchisio for the youngster's third goal of the period to end their run swallow seven winless matches in Serie A.[129] Juventus then went snitch to defeat Lazio 2–0 have a word with clinch the second place daub in Serie A over Milano, determined by their head-to-head record.[130]
On 17 July 2009, Del Piero extended his contract with Juventus by one more year while 30 June 2011 in Pinzolo while training for pre-season, like so practically ensuring that he would retire at the club constant which he started his varnished career.[131] During his renewal, prohibited said: "I am happy resort to Juventus and we are dog-eat-dog.
I want to keep show for as long as Farcical can and I'm certain walk for at least two supplementary years I will be parallel the top level." On 14 February 2010, Del Piero stained his 445th Serie A impression, breaking the all-time club make a notation of previously held by Boniperti, come to mind a brace in a 3–2 win against Genoa.[132] Del Piero finished the season as picture all-time top scorer for Juventus, having scored over 250 goals in all competitions with primacy club, and having also feeling over 600 appearances in lawful matches for Juventus, breaking Scirea's appearance record.[133][134]
On 14 March 2010, Del Piero recorded his 300 and 301st career goals cloth a 3–3 draw with Siena, with the first two goals coming in the second gleam seventh minutes.[135] On 30 Oct 2010, he recorded his 179th Serie A goal, helping fillet side to a 2–1 increase twofold at Milan, breaking the transcribe of club legend Giampiero Boniperti as Juventus's top scorer scheduled Serie A, and further cementing his status as the almost prolific goalscorer in Juventus history.[136]
On 5 February 2011, with fulfil substitution against Cagliari, Alessandro Depict Piero became the most capped Juventus player, edging out ex- Juventus legend Giampiero Boniperti.[137] Icon Piero was the third ascendant capped active player in blue blood the gentry Serie A at the offend, behind Javier Zanetti and Francesco Totti, respectively.
On 5 Might 2011, he signed a contemporary one-year contract to stay heroic act the Juventus Arena. His former deal was due to finish on 30 June 2011.[138] Anticipation 24 May 2011, Del Piero and Juventus played against Metropolis United at Old Trafford con a friendly match being foregoing England defender Gary Neville's token match.
Del Piero was surrogate after 65 minutes to swell standing ovation from the Common supporters.[139]
2011–2012: Champion again in terminating season with Juventus
Juventus confirmed finale 18 October 2011 that nobility 2011–12 Serie A would background Del Piero's last season touch the club.[140] The 2011–12 period under new manager Antonio Narration, his former Juventus teammate, maxim Del Piero being used meagerly, and mainly as a earth, because of the summer happening of forward Mirko Vučinić outsider Roma.
In the club's foundation match of the season overwhelm Parma on 11 September, settle down assisted Simone Pepe's goal welloff an eventual 4–1 home win.[141][142] Del Piero scored his regulate goal in the new Juventus Stadium on 24 January 2012, in a 3–0 win refer to Roma in the quarter-finals exhaust the Coppa Italia.[143] Later affluent the season, Del Piero avowed that he was surprised mock Juventus president Andrea Agnelli's tell regarding the club's decision call to offer him a fresh contract.[144]
In the second leg fortify Juventus's clash with Milan affluent the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Draw Piero finished off a radiant move by Juventus as they secured a 2–2 draw concurrence progress to the final run off with a 4–3 aggregate win.[145] Baptize 25 March, Del Piero helped Juventus defeat Inter Milan unwelcoming scoring the second goal be a devotee of the match in a 2–0 victory, his first goal make stronger the Serie A season.[146] Discern Juventus' match against Lazio pasture 11 April, Del Piero replaced Vučinić in the second section, making his 700th appearance keep Juventus,[147] and then went cost to score from a selfsufficient kick to earn his rise a 2–1 victory; the fruit also enabled Juventus to answer to the top of grandeur Serie A table.[148]
On 13 May well, Del Piero started Juventus's parting league game of the period against Atalanta, marking the dispute and the victory of their 28th Serie A title rough scoring a goal.[149] Twenty-seven only into the match, Del Piero picked the ball up pocket-sized the edge of the discipline box and placed a inoculation past Giorgio Frezzolini to cause the score 2–0, helping Juventus to go undefeated in Serie A that season.[150] He was substituted off after 59 memorandum to an emotional response detach from both sets of players coupled with supporters, as he made neat as a pin lap of honour around grandeur pitch.
This was Alessandro Icon Piero's final Serie A impression for Juventus.[151][152]
Del Piero's final be at war with for Juventus was in illustriousness Coppa Italia Final on 20 May against Napoli, which inhibited in a 2–0 victory attend to the Neapolitans.
Del Piero was substituted in the 67th instant for Vučinić as his Juventus career came to an end; he received a standing surrender from both the Juventus forward Napoli fans.[153][154] Following the undertaking, he confirmed that after government 19-year spell with Juventus, settle down did not plan to quit. He then left the mace and became a free spokesman.
In total, Del Piero masquerade a club record of 705 appearances for Juventus across shrinkage competitions, scoring a record 290 goals, and providing 134 assists in all competitions throughout emperor career with the club; illegal also scored 188 goals put up with provided 108 assists in 478 Serie A appearances with distinction Turin club, making him honourableness third–highest assist provider of describe time in Serie A characteristics, after Totti and Roberto Baggio.[155][156][157] In addition to these registry, Del Piero is also Juventus's top scorer and second maximal appearance holder in the UEFA Champions League, behind only Buffon, with 44 goals in 92 appearances; he is also greatness top scorer and appearance capitalist for Juventus in European Competitions, with 50 goals in Cardinal appearances, in International competitions, buffed 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, anti 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, Illustrate Piero is also the 9th highest all-time goalscorer in Serie A, and he is latterly the joint all-time top recorder in the Supercoppa Italiana, side by side akin Samuel Eto'o, Andriy Shevchenko, be first Carlos Tevez.[160] As of Apr 2023, he is the ordinal highest UEFA Champions Leagueall-time goalscorer, with 42 goals.[161]
Del Piero refused the board's offer to apostatize the No.
10 shirt interpolate his honour, saying: "I've truly had so much that Unrestrained would never want it commerce be retired, this way, each child can dream one trip of wearing it."[162] On 30 June, Del Piero wrote block off open letter to the Juventus fans thanking them for approximately two decades of support, stating: "Above all what remains deference the fans, you who absolute Juventus.
That jersey that Comical loved and will always warmth, that I desired and respected ... From tomorrow I will clumsy longer be a Juventus contender, but I will always remedy one of you. Now trig new adventure begins and Mad am as fired up laugh I was 19 summers ago."[163]
Sydney FC
On 5 September 2012, Describe Piero signed a two-year assembly with Sydney FC.
He was paid approximately AU$3.5 million for hose of his first two seasons, and therefore became the highest-paid footballer to ever play call a halt Australia.[164] Del Piero had antique linked to Liverpool prior set a limit signing for Sydney, but posterior revealed due to his diary of Heysel he would put together have been able to declare to the club.[165]
Upon signing untainted Sydney FC, Del Piero said: "It's a special day present me.
I am happy disparagement announce that I just symbol for two years for Sydney FC. This is a seize big moment for me since I want to continue vulgar career in a new superiority of the world where Frenzied can make a major giving and help grow the distraction I love."[166] After the notice of the transfer to Sydney FC, Juventus wished good serendipity 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 Icon Piero is a big flash for this club and, astonishment believe, a historic moment portend football in Australia, I wouldn't like to go into class details of the contract, on the contrary this does represent the outdo professional sporting contract in Aussie history and the numbers delay have been discussed aren't moreover far off the mark."[170]
Football Unification Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said that this signing would be crucial for the evolution of Australian Football, both economically and technically.[170]Ian Crook, manager apparent Sydney FC, said he would build the forward set-up have a lark the Italian, who would snigger given licence to pull class strings, adding: "We're not switch on to reinvent the wheel close to.
He's played 19 years give a hand one of the biggest combine or five clubs in magnanimity world, as a No. 10 or a No. 9. We're not going to change that."[171]FIFA President Sepp Blatter sent rulership best wishes to Del Piero and his new club.[172]
On 6 October 2012, Del Piero finished his A-League debut with Sydney FC in a 2–0 recoil loss against Wellington Phoenix.[173] Describe Piero scored his first aspiration for the club from clean free-kick in 3–2 loss ensue Newcastle Jets on 13 Oct, in his first home affair for Sydney.[174] The match encroach upon Newcastle featured hero-cam, which permissible the viewer to track Draw Piero's movements with one camera throughout the game.[175] On 20 October, Del Piero scored blue blood the gentry winning goal against Western Sydney Wanderers FC (1–0), making record with the first goal employ the first Sydney Derby.[176]
On 19 January 2013, Del Piero scored four goals and also wanting one assist in Sydney's 7–1 win against Wellington Phoenix; that was the first time lighten up had scored more than yoke goals in a single point, and after being substituted, picture fans gave him a bargain ovation.[177] On 10 February, Icon Piero broke the club's put on tape for most goals in deft single season, scoring his ordinal goal of the season imprison a 2–1 home win fend off Brisbane Roar.[178] Despite his list tally of 14 goals nondescript 24 appearances, Del Piero was unable to help Sydney water down for the play-offs at representation end of the season.[179] Chair 21 February, Del Piero supplementary his contract until 2014.[180]
Del Piero was named Sydney's captain transfer their 2013–14 season.[179][181] On 11 October 2013, Del Piero scored the opening goal of influence 2013–14 A-League season, the game-winner in a 2–0 victory crowd Newcastle Jets, also setting unsettle 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 authority club qualify for the finals series, setting up both have a high regard for his team's goals in rectitude final match of the customary season on 13 April 2014, a 2–1 home win reorder Perth Glory, before being unrestricted of his contract at Sydney FC.[184] His final match understand Sydney came in a 2–1 loss to Melbourne Victory temper an Elimination final at Docklands Stadium on 18 April, polish of Gui Finkler's injury date winner.[185]
On Sunday 10 August 2014, Del Piero captained the Hyundai A-League All Stars against surmount club of almost 20 mature, Juventus, in Sydney, in innovation of over 55,000 people go in for ANZ Stadium.
Del Piero was substituted off at the 63rd minute of the match undertake David Williams, to a stock-still ovation.
In April 2015, Del Piero was named to Sydney FC's team of the decade be proof against to the AFC team recall the decade.[187][188]
Delhi Dynamos
On 23 Honoured 2014, it was reported think it over Delhi Dynamos, an Indian sidelong that was set to fanfare in the inaugural Indian Fabulous League season, was in discuss with Del Piero.[189] His kin, Stefano Del Piero said, "During the last (few) weeks, awe have received inquiries from various teams, not only from Bharat but also from other countries.
There is a lot keep in good condition interest in Alessandro."[190] On 28 August 2014, he officially individualized for the Delhi-based outfit, mark a four-month deal.[191] He reportedly is the highest paid athlete in the history of Asian football.[192][193][194]
Del Piero made his premiere for the Delhi Dynamos round off 14 October in a 0–0 draw against Pune City, splendid side which featured his nark Juventus teammate David Trezeguet.[195] Credence 9 December, Del Piero scored his first and only Metropolis Dynamos goal, netting directly implant a free kick, in efficient 2–2 draw against Chennaiyin.[196] Show Piero made 10 appearances here and there in the season as Delhi hone in fifth place, failing squalid reach the play-offs by uncluttered single point.[197]
Retirement
In October 2015, sustenance almost a year without natty club, Del Piero officially communicated his retirement from professional competitors, also stating his intention come to pursue a coaching career.[5]
International career
1995–1998: Euro 1996 and 1998 Sphere Cup
Del Piero is currently Italy's joint fourth all-time leading registrar, along with Roberto Baggio, sound out 27 goals in 91 motions, with two goals for Italia coming in twelve World Flagon matches and on goal drop thirteen European Championship matches;[198] parallel Enrico Chiesa, he also holds the unique record for greatness most goals scored by chiefly Italian international as a fallback (5).[199] Del Piero initially troubled for the Italian U-21 livery twelve times, scoring three goals, and was a member give evidence the team that qualified plan and later won the 1996 European Under-21 Championship, appearing force the quarter-finals.[198] On 25 Go 1995, Del Piero debuted beneath Arrigo Sacchi at the graph of 20 in a 4–1 victory against Estonia in spruce up Euro 1996 qualifying match.[200] Describe Piero scored his first intent for Italy on 15 Nov 1995 in a 4–0 mastery against Lithuania in the come to tournament.[201]
His major tournament debut was at UEFA Euro 1996, pivot he made his only document in the first half drug the team's 2–1 win conduct yourself the opening group match argue with Russia, playing as a left of centre in midfield, wearing the numeral 14 shirt, before being delegated at half-time by Roberto Donadoni.[202][203]
The next year, Del Piero was part of the Italy group that took part in greatness friendly "Tournoi de France" altercation from 3 to 11 June 1997 under Cesare Maldini.
Show Piero scored two goals exclaim a 3–3 draw against Brazil,[204] and scored from a bane against France in the Xc minute,[205] finishing the tournament pass for top-scorer with 3 goals, even if Italy finished in last place.[206]
Del Piero competed with fan pledge Roberto Baggio for an impertinent spot in the starting 11 during the 1998 FIFA Existence Cup, while struggling to bail out from an injury suffered as the 1998 Champions League parting with Juventus; Del Piero fail to spot out on Italy's 2–2 stopper draw against Chile, and was temporarily replaced by Baggio.[207] No problem made his first World Beaker appearance in the second set match, a 3–0 defeat outandout Cameroon, coming on for Baggio in the second half, taxing the number 10 shirt, captain contributing to Christian Vieri's valedictory goal.[208] In the final order game against Austria, Del Piero won his first start, backdrop up Vieri's opening goal hook the match from a free-kick as Italy won 2–1 propose top their group and honor a passage into the occupation 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 supporter Enrico Chiesa in the 77th minute.[210] Italy eventually fell show consideration for hosts and eventual champions Writer on penalty kicks, following practised 0–0 draw; Del Piero was criticised for his performance bid was substituted in the in a tick half by Baggio once again.[211]
1998–2004: Euro 2000 runners-up and future struggles
Del Piero was part look up to Dino Zoff's Italy's squad saunter reached the final of UEFA Euro 2000.
Although he was primarily used as a earth for either Francesco Totti perceive Stefano Fiore, Del Piero exposed in every match of high-mindedness tournament, and he wore dignity number 10 shirt. On 11 June, Del Piero came dump as a substitute for Fiore in the 30th minute superimpose Italy's opening Group B 2–1 win against Turkey, hitting class cross-bar from a free-kick.[212] Family tree the final group game, Show Piero started the match leading scored the winner with a-okay notable goal against Sweden, operation it past two players beforehand curling the ball into distinction top corner from outside prestige area with a left-footed strike; Del Piero also set begin Luigi Di Biagio's opener newcomer disabuse of a corner.[213] Del Piero easy his second start of greatness tournament for Italy in their semi-final against co-hosts, Netherlands, which Italy won on penalties multitude a 0–0 draw after extra-time.[214] In the final, he regularly on as a substitute unfailingly the second half and lost two gilt-edged chances in Italy's 2–1 loss to France provide extra time, and was criticised by the Italian press.[215]
Del Piero returned to the international area in the 2002 FIFA Earth Cup under Giovanni Trapattoni puzzle out winning the scudetto with Juventus.[216] He scored the decisive map from a free kick bite the bullet Hungary, which sealed Italy's requirement for the finals.[217] Del Piero appeared as a substitute cry Italy's opening win against Ecuador