It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for Alex Del Piero but he didn’t let Juventus down during the Scudetto clash at Milan. The captain led by example and was priceless in the 1-0 win at the San Siro which has given his side one hand on the Italian championship.

The Azzurri international went into the match after another disappointing display in the victory over Bologna. He again suffered the embarrassment of being substituted by boss Fabio Capello during that win, but there was no way the No 10 wasn’t finishing the showdown against the Rossoneri.

Although Juve’s offensive threat was limited throughout the 90 minutes, Del Piero again illustrated that his critics are all too quick in writing him off. He may not be the player who was arguably the world’s best at one stage in 1998, but he can still make a contribution for a club who are undoubtedly in his heart.

Del Piero moved well throughout the game on Sunday. He made David Trezeguet’s goal by delivering a sublime over-head kick cross that the Frenchman nodded in past the usually reliable Dida. Alex then tested the Brazilian with a curling shot before rattling the crossbar in the second-half with a header.

His performance will now give Capello a headache ahead of next week’s clash with Parma. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic available again after suspension, the tactician will either have to drop Del Piero or goalscorer Trezeguet as the Old Lady look for another win which would edge them closer to the Scudetto.

Yet Del Piero wasn’t the only Juve ace to shine. Their win against the Rossoneri was based on a collective team effort right throughout the line-up. Gigi Buffon made some crucial saves behind a defence that did well, especially Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta – the latter denying Pippo Inzaghi with a desperate goal-line challenge.

Mauro Camoranesi was also a useful target in midfield, while Trezeguet underlined how good a goal poacher he is. The Frenchman did little in the game but made all the difference with his goal - a strike that may just have won his club the title.