Comeback Kings To Lead Italy Bid
Tuesday 20th March 2001
Several unlikely names are competing to lead Italy's attack in their World Cup qualifier against Romania on Saturday. The rejuvenated Alessandro del Piero, left, Enrico Chiesa and Vincenzo Montella are battling for places up front.
Chiesa has won a recall after an absence of two years, but it is Del Piero's return to the sort of form he showed before his serious knee injury in November 1998 that has really got fans excited.
The one highlight of Juve's 4-1 defeat by Lazio on Sunday was Del Piero's exhilarating display, capped by the sort of individual goal he used to score regularly earlier in his career.
The 26-year-old now hopes to be over the worst and is eager to show in Bucharest that he is a major force once more.
"I never thought that this tough patch would land me back in obscurity after five years at the top," Del Piero said. "I was sure that I could get back to being the player I used to be.
"I have been through the most difficult time of my life, but it is past. I always believed in what I did and I knew that people go through lean periods. I am now a stronger character for it."
After all the uncertainty of the past year, when the skilful striker could not command a place in the Juventus starting line-up, Del Piero is also happy to pledge himself to the club cause once more.
"Two months ago there was a strange situation at Juventus. I never thought that I would leave Italy, but I considered leaving Juve. Now I can say that I will stay with the club."
With both Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri out injured, another candidate for the No 9 shirt, Montella, is also reflecting on a sudden reversal in fortune.
A glut of goals has propelled the 26-year-old Roma striker forward after spending most of the season on the league leaders' bench.
"The last championship games have put me back in the running," Montella admitted. "I wasn't playing much and I got dropped from the national team, but my goals regained Trapattoni's faith.
"I didn't miss being in the headlines, I was just sorry I couldn't play regularly. I made a lot of sacrifices and I used to train on my own so as not to lose shape.
"When Capello called, I was ready. I only wish that I didn't have to be considered as an alternative to Batistuta, in fact I'm sorry he's injured."
