Second-place Juventus, which plays Udinese today and trails leaders Inter Milan by five points, has adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Ciro Ferrara that seeks to make the most out of new signing Diego’s playmaking talents.That system, however, leaves no room for Del Piero’s favored role, that of second striker. The captain, who has been hampered by back and thigh injuries, may have to play on the wing if he wants a slice of the action.
Former Juventus boss Didier Deschamps, now in charge of French club Olympique Marseille, doubts whether Del Piero could fit in. “People want all the phenomenal players on the pitch together but Ferrara has to think about the team’s balance,” Deschamps told La Gazzetta dello Sport. Del Piero has previously shown reluctance to drop back into midfield, once saying he only wanted to be considered as a striker for Italy selection, and at 35 he may struggle with the tempo required in a less advanced position.
Juve’s all-time top scorer, however, said he was prepared to play any role as he seeks to get regular playing time and show the form needed to win back his Italy place before next year’s World Cup finals. Midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Mohamed Sissoko are also on the mend after injuries and may be available this weekend, but forward Vincenzo Iaquinta is still out with a knee problem. Udinese will be without suspended Italy striker Antonio Di Natale, who is Serie A’s top scorer with nine goals. Third-placed AC Milan takes on Cagliari at the San Siro today.
