Alex: I?m as good as Totti
Alessandro Del Piero says he doesn?t feel inferior to Italy?s new star player Francesco Totti.
The Roman was described as Italy?s answer to Michel Platini by Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday, but the Juve ace feels he shouldn?t be forgotten.
"I haven?t got anything less than Totti," said Alex. "I?m not really taking Trap?s comment into consideration anyway.
"Totti is Totti and I am Del Piero. We play in the same team and we must consider ourselves on the same level."
However, there is no doubt that people are expecting great things from Totti this summer rather than the Juve No 10.
"I?m not affected by the praise that Totti is receiving," he insisted. "In fact, I?m pleased that people are not saying that it will be my tournament as I could spring a surprise."
Trap has stated that the Azzurri are a different proposition with Totti in the side, does Del Piero agree?
"I don?t know how we would play without him," he responded. "Francesco is a great player who is looking forward to making an impact."
Although the Coach feels that Totti is key, Del Piero seems sure of a starting shirt if the boss keeps faith with the 4-2-3-1 system.
"Even if we don?t play like that nothing will really change for me," insisted the 29-year-old. "I may feel more pressure from Cassano but that wouldn?t cause a problem."
Del Piero also commented on Gennaro Gattuso?s decision to criticise Trap for not considering him and Andrea Pirlo in his first team plans.
"I think that you need to weigh up Gattuso?s comments correctly. He was simply stating the fact that he is ready to play if needed," he added.
Alex concluded by commenting on rumours that David Trezeguet could remain at Juventus next season.
"I haven?t got any problems with David," he said. "Emerson? I hope that he arrives. There have already been some surprises this summer, starting with the appointment of Fabio Capello."
Meanwhile, Trap is set to select Mauro Camoranesi ahead of Stefano Fiore for their opening game against Denmark.
The Azzurri played a practice match this morning with a team that should be selected next Monday.
Italy probable: Buffon; Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Perrotta, Zanetti; Camoranesi, Totti, Del Piero; Vieri
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun9g.html