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Del Piero risks missing World Cup 2006
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-12 09:19 ROME (AP) -- Alessandro Del Piero is already
fighting for playing time at Juventus. Now he risks being left off Italy's World
Cup roster.
Juventus'
Alessandro Del Piero (L) fights for the ball with Rapid Vienna's Gyorgy
Korsos during their Champions League group A soccer match at the Delle
Alpi stadium in Turin September 27, 2005.
[Reuters] | Italy qualified for next year's World Cup on Saturday with a 1-0 win over
Slovenia, leaving Wednesday's home match against Moldova as little more than a
friendly -- and a chance for players to impress coach Marcelo Lippi.
Del
Piero never got off the bench against Slovenia, with Francesco Totti, Luca Toni
and Alberto Gilardino in attack. Del Piero's fellow veteran Christian Vieri came
on as a late replacement for Toni.
Lippi said he still considers the 32-year-old Vieri one of Italy's top
forwards -- he isn't so sure about Del Piero, who turns 31 next month.
"Some players are certain, others a bit less so," Lippi said Tuesday of his
World Cup roster. "To be honest, (Del Piero) is not among those that are
certain."
Del Piero has only played two games for Italy under Lippi, his last goal
coming last year in a 1-0 win against Moldova.
With qualification from Group 5 secure, Lippi plans to field his reserves in
Lecce against last-place Moldova. Del Piero is expected to start on the left
side of Italy's attack, with Vincenzo Iaquinta on the right and Vieri at center
forward.
"I don't have anything to prove," Del Piero said. "I don't think I will be
judged by this game. I'm hoping the rest of the season counts more, mostly the
league."
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