Gianfranco Zola has hailed Alessandro Del Piero’s brace that beat Real Madrid by noting “he is among the best in the world.”
The Juventus captain netted three goals in two games against Madrid, including a double for the 2-0 victory at the Bernabeu this week.
“I am so happy for him,” the West Ham manager told Radio 101. “Mind you, he didn’t even need that performance against Real Madrid to be considered one of the greatest in the world in his position.”
Alex turns 34 on Sunday and won back-to-back Serie B and A Capocannoniere titles before the return to the Champions League.
“Del Piero has always shown an immense strength of character every time he hit difficulties. For the past two years he has been playing at an extraordinary level.
“I am not surprised, because it is normal that after hitting 30 there is a period of adaptation to the new physical state.”
Zola also cast his eye over the rest of Serie A and the problems Inter are running into under Jose Mourinho.
“He is certainly a character that gets noticed, but he cannot be judged after every single result. We have to let him work and then evaluate the performance later on.
“It is only normal that there is so much expectation after the recent success Inter have had over the last few years, but the work of a Coach like Mourinho must be given time to develop.”
Zola famously started his Serie A career at Napoli where he ‘replaced’ Diego Armando Maradona, who has just been appointed to the Argentina squad.
“If Diego is able to give his players even a modicum of his ability and experience, it will be truly difficult to beat Argentina.
“I am very happy for Diego and Argentina, he is a very positive person and can do good for football in his new position.”
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