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Alessandro Del Piero claims his self-belief helped him net twice against Palermo and is hoping his performance caught Roberto Donadoni’s eye.
The Bianconeri captain has weathered a tough period on the Juve bench and wasn’t included in Donadoni’s latest Italy squad.
However, the talismanic 33-year-old reasserted his importance to the Old Lady’s cause by scoring twice as a substitute in last night’s 5-0 demolition of Palermo.
“Before the game I said that I’d score twice,” Pinturricchio told Sky Sport Italia as he left the pitch.
“I never lost my confidence. I am in excellent physical condition and I am enjoying a happy period thanks to the birth of my son.”
There appeared to be some friction during the game between Del Piero and strike partner Raffaele Palladino as the two exchanged heated words, but the captain insists that it was nothing to worry about.
“I told him that I couldn’t come to dinner after the game,” he joked. “Seriously, sometimes on the pitch people shout things but we sorted it out immediately.”
Juve have made an emphatic return to Serie A and are just three points behind leaders Inter as they await next Saturday’s crucial test away to Milan.
“We are a side with such potential, but we can’t take stock until after the first round of games,” Del Piero continued.
“We need to be humble and try our best. Milan are a great team, but so are we and our spirit can help us beat anyone.”
Alex concluded by admitting that he has set his sights on securing one of the places up for grabs in Italy’s squad for Euro 2008.
“I’m hoping to convince Donadoni,” he said. “He is considering me just as he is considering others. He will choose the best solution.”
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