Alessandro Del Piero believes the Scudetto race is wide open and calls for Paul Pogba to be given time to become great.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Bianconeri legend gave his verdict on this season’s intriguing title race while recounting his favourite memories of the Derby D’Italia.
[The following interview first appeared here]
In the meantime the Scudetto race is wide open and the duel with Inter is back.
“Yes, it is a classic rivalry but I wouldn’t forget about the sides that are also part of the battle. Roma have everything in place to fight until the end. They surprised everyone against Napoli and slipped up in the Coppa Italia. Napoli play the best football in Italy along with Roma.”
Fiorentina and your former teammate Paulo Sousa have also impressed.
“I pick Napoli and Roma ahead of Fiorentina as I want to see if La Viola can keep their pace up over the coming months. When it comes to their quality of play there are no doubts. They fell to Juve in Turin but that can happen as the Bianconeri can beat anyone at home. We’ll see what happens over time, especially because all these teams are playing well, so it is too early to say the fight is only between Inter and Juventus.”
However AC Milan remains behind.
“Yes, I would say Milan must be left alone at this time.”
What gives Juve the advantage in the battle?
“How the club and team are structured as they have a solid core, along with youngsters that have already done well. This has brought them continuity.”
Inter are hungry to win after years of bad results.
“They have created a solid side that have impressed. Roberto Mancini has created a side that wins a lot of matches 1-0 which is important. It seems they are enjoying themselves while remaining focused.”
What is your best memory of matches against them?
“The freekick scored to make it 2-1 in the final minutes [on February 12, 2006].”
That was a beautiful goal that gave you guys an insurmountable advantage.
“I think that it remained in everyone’s mind because of how it came about near the end of the match against our rivals. However there are many matches that I remember including matches against Ronaldo. They were important and stimulating regardless of the results.”
Italian football is a long way from those times though.
“The teams are competitive amongst themselves which is something to be proud of. Serie A is different from a few seasons ago. The best players no longer play there, and they won’t arrive either. However we still have a competitive league.”
You remain a legend for many Juve fans. They will face Bayern Munich in the next round of the Champions League, and that brings to mind your goal against the German side.
“Yes, I remember it. It was a goal in the group stage and Fabio Capello was our coach. We won 1-0 in the final minute.”
Do you have any tips for Massimiliano Allegri and your former teammates.
“It’s a bit early to give suggestions. A lot of things can change in two months. I think that it is important that Juventus has all this time to prepare for the match. It’s better to face a team like Bayern at this stage of the competition instead of later. Juve can do well at home as the stadium and fans are an added value that can push them forward. They can prepare psychologically for the match and best prepare for the encounter.”
However Juventus did well in the Champions League last season. Who is the new leader of the team?
“I think Juve are still looking for that player. When it comes to the old guard, players like Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli are important because of their personality. They are the leaders.”
Was it right to give the No.10 to Pogba? It seems as though he has struggled because of the number.
“I don’t know about that, but Paul is a player with a lot of talent. If we think the No.10 should be given to a player that impresses with his style of play then he is the right man. The number is more than just an expression of ability, it is something more important than just that. However Pogba will reach that level. He must be given time.”
