Alessandro Del Piero, the legendary Italian striker and former Juventus star, has recently shared his thoughts on the challenges facing his old club during this transitional phase under manager Thiago Motta. Del Piero, who was attending the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, provided valuable insights during his interactions with the media, including Sky Sport Italia.
Reflecting on the current Juventus team, Del Piero noted the persistent pressure and high expectations tied to the Bianconeri's storied history. "The expectations are what they are; my personal ones when I think of Juventus are always very high, because history says so," Del Piero remarked, acknowledging the weight of representing such a prestigious club.
With the club undergoing significant changes this summer—including the introduction of several new players and the appointment of Motta—Del Piero emphasized the difficulties inherent in maintaining consistency. "There has been significant change with Thiago, many new players, and some of the directors. It’s never easy to consistently perform well," he explained.
Despite Juventus sitting outside the top four after collecting only seven victories and ten draws from their seventeen matches, Del Piero remains optimistic. He believes the recent victory could indicate the beginning of a turning point for the squad as they adapt to Motta's tactics. "Of course, expectations are always high, and everyone wants to see more improvements. All these draws worried everyone a bit, but perhaps the latest victory has started a positive trend. They must show it on the pitch," he stated.
Del Piero also touched upon the current transfer rumors surrounding players like Danilo, whose contract is set to expire soon. The Brazilian's future, with interest from Napoli, has created uncertainty around him. Del Piero expressed confidence in Danilo's ability to make prudent decisions during this pivotal time. "Whatever decision he makes, it won’t be easy, but I am sure it will be in everyone’s interest," Del Piero said, adding, "He has my full respect for what he’s done and how he’s done it." Danilo has made it clear, though, he does not wish to leave the club midway through the season.
Del Piero also had exciting interactions during his time at the Globe Soccer Awards, especially with Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal. His children expressed eagerness to take photos with the talented teenager. "We had never met before, and it was nice to see such a young talent and get to know his family. I took pictures of my children with him. There isn’t much to tell a 17 or 18-year-old lad except for ‘continue having fun and entertain us,'" Del Piero shared.
The Juventus legend understands the challenges Yamal faces as he rises through the ranks. He remarked, "It’s not easy, but it also depends on the players around them; surely Nico and Yildiz have the skill sets to play there and on the flanks. It’s up to the coach to make them perform well and place them in the appropriate role."
Despite the numerous hurdles, including dealing with the weight of expectations, changing club dynamics, and player pressures, Del Piero remains hopeful about Juventus' potential. The players carry the legacy of excellence demanded by their fans, and they must channel this responsibility to aim for success this season. "There are many obstacles, but the squad is determined to deliver strong performances and achieve success under Motta’s leadership," he concluded.
