Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero scored Juve’s second goal in the Derby d’Italia to help his side onto a comfortable 2-0 win that saw the Bianconeri cut down Milan’s lead at the top of the table to only 4 points.
After scoring against Milan in the Coppa Italia semis, Del Piero made it 2 for 2 against both Milan sides with a clean low strike that beat Inter goal keeper Julio Cesar with less than 20 minutes left on the clock.
Speaking after the match, Del Piero said that Juventus were still very much in the title race.
“Today’s win was fundamental in order to keep Milan in our sights. Now we have to continue with our foot firmly on the gas,” Del Piero said.
“We’re in the Coppa Italia final and are four points adrift of Milan. We mustn’t give up if we want to be champions.”
Of course, Del Piero’s last two performances have raised concern over his future with many fans eager for the 37 year old to remain in Turin after it emerged that he could be leaving in the summer.
Del Piero refused to be drawn into speculation about his future as he chose to rather focus on their next upcoming game.
“I’m happy that I scored in both games, it fills me with pride because they were very important as far as we are concerned.My future? The game against Napoli is next up. I want to enjoy this moment and continue to fight in every game.” he concluded.
Juventus is one of the few players who remain loyal to Juventus even during her darkest hour. After the match fixing scandal and their subsequent demotion to the Serie B in 2006, unlike many of the club’s stars who sort greener pastures in other clubs and foreign leagues, Del Piero remain with Juve, leading them back into top flight football a year later.
This is the kind of character that has seen him earn legendary status in the game. Sadly for many fans, both matches against Milan duo Inter and AC could have been the last for Del Piero as it is rumoured that he is on his way to the United States or Asia once the season ends.
photo credit © ~irene~