68.)An article on La Stampa explains exactly what Alessandro Del Piero's role in the CEPU commercial is. Del Piero, who has been a testimonial for over a year, has only taken a course in English. He plans to attend the university, but he hasn't signed up yet. According to his agent, Andrea D'Amico, Del Piero will choose something between business, communication science, or sports management. D'Amico also said that Del Piero won't necessarily sign up at the local university and that he won't attend classes. He will be followed by tutor and might give his exams on-line, just as Oliver Bierhoff did while obtaining his degree from a German university. (he he... a good news good news...) (I received this news at 08/09/99)

69.)ALEX, 25 years old, Cepu student. Student of what? "Sociology. But I've just signed up, I am registered and I've made this choice with no publicitary obligation. I've made it because I felt like it and because I have interest in the subject". To his glorious number ten, Alessandro Del Piero is about to add that number of the university books. A comercial discovery or a new road for the footballer, tired of videogames and thriller novels? "But notice that the soccer player has already changed many years ago. We represent an example for many youngsters and it's our duty to give positive messages". Image strategy with a background of sincerity, because that boy is a business which in voices more than 30 billions a year but also a guy who doesn't use his head just to hit the ball. His unfocused face in the billboards all over Italy would've been a stain, without that registration to sociology. But, does Del Piero truely believes it? "Sure", answers Andrea D'Amico, one of his procurators. "We haven't forced him, Alex has signed up in Turin and in the Spring he will prepare the tests. It's not just a matter of money". (I received this news at 22/09/99) (updated at 02/10/99)

70.)There is a rumour that Alex and Pippo, they are the forward partner in Juve, have conflict towards one another. Aim on this ridiculous rumour, they held a press conference to clarify.
"People like discussing the problem of Juve. Sometimes they said that we have weak attack while sometimes they said that me and Pippo fight against each other." said by Alex.
"It's impossible for the forward partner to have conflict." Pippo continued.
I lost the original English version of this news and so I just translate the Chinese version. The meaning is the same but the wording may be different.(20/04/00)

71.)Alex is injured again!!! But luckily it's just a minor muscle injury.
Because of the injury, Alex will miss the friendly game of Italy against Portugal. He was injured in the game against Fiorentina which Juve won 1:0. He was substituted in the 72nd minutes after he has scored his 8th penalty. "The Azzurri shirt means a lot to me, but I'll have to see what the medic says," he said.
Hope Alex will recover soon.

72.)As all we know that Juve is going to play a hard game this Sunday. Alex, at the Comunale on Thursday, talked to the gathering TV crews and reporters about Sunday´s big match against Parma at the Delle Alpi.
"I am very excited. This game is like a cup final and if you look at our success rate in crucial matches over the last few years, it´s clear we´ve done pretty well. Sure, we came out second best in two Champions League finals but virtually every year we have attained at least one of our main objectives. This in itself is some achievement given the level of competition. To win everything is nigh on impossible these days."(06/05/00)

73.)The match on this Sunday is decisive to Juve. How does Alex think of the match and the championship?
"Juventus-Parma will be much more than a Championship play-off. It will be like a European cup final. No moment is more beautiful than this one - having the right cards in your hands and knowing you'll soon have a chance to play and win. It's really great."
"It would be terrible but still if we think about it our goal this year was to reach a Champions' League spot and that has been accomplished. Let's not think about the points we used to have last week, we only have to think about today. Also because at the beginning of the Championship when nobody had us among the favourites we would have given anything to be at the point we are today."
"After all, should we loose, Lazio would have the title in their hands."
The player is very optimistic though, because Juve is known for being a team that hardly ever miss out in the important matches.
He added: "In the past five years we've won at least 50% of the competitions we played in, which is quite good statistically talking. We must try to approach this match with a positive mentality and just a little bit of apprehension. Anyway I'm sure that everybody will be focused solely on the title hunt and personal problems will be left out of the way. Inzaghi and I for example won't think of the fact that we're both experiencing problems in scoring this season,even tough his problem is much more recent than mine, because now it really doesn't matter who'll net as long as the team wins. And we must also trust our defence that is statistically the best of the tournament." (06/05/00)

74.)If you have watched the game of Juve VS Parma, you must know that Alex scored the first non-penalty goal! Here is what Alex said after the match.
"I am pleased about the goal but I am more pleased for the team because we have taken another step towards the title."
"At least I won't be reminded all the time about how long it has been," said Del Piero, adding that he never felt under pressure to score. "It irritated me a little that people didn't ask 'how has Del Piero played?' but always 'did Del Piero score?'," he said. "But it is a good feeling, of course, and it frees up my enthusiasm."
Parma goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also made some comment after the first goal of Del Piero, "Naturally we were all waiting for Alex to score but did he really have to choose this game?"(08/05/00)

75.)Alex is included in the 26 members of team Italy for the coming friendly game. (22/05/00)

76.)How does Del Piero think about his last season?
"I have not had a great season and it upset me to lose out on the title on the last day," the 25-year-old revealed. "But I have great belief in myself. The games cannot come quickly enough now. For me and the other lads in the squad the wait is not much fun, with the press watching our every move."(25/05/00)

77.)After so many international matches, have Del Piero leant something from them?
"Personally I am looking for a better tournament than at the last Europeans, but I can only do my talking on the pitch," admitted the forward. "I remember the build-up to France 98 when everyone was saying that I was going to be the man... well I wasn't. I learnt a lot from that experience."
"I have learnt to accept the bad times and to ignore the critics," confessed by Alex. "There's no point looking back in anger, and it's probably best to be here with the national squad as we can get the disappointments of last season out of our system. What matters is how you react to difficult situations." (25/05/00)

78.)According to Raisport, we will know more about what Alex thinks about his best position. Del Piero doesn't feel like a striker: "I've already played behind the attackers at Juve, and I'm ready to do it for Italy, too. But Zoff knows I feel like a second attacker". (06/06/00)

79.)You can download the interview of Alex in this web-site. The interview, I think, is in Italian. ha ha... cos I don't understand what Alex is talking about... (06/06/00)

80.)How's the summer of Alex? Here is the schedule of Juventus.
14 July: Players will reconvene in Turin for medical assessment and for an official engagement with the Ronchi Verdi club. This will be followed by departure for Aosta and the Puchoz training ground where the players will take part in various physical trials before making their way to Chatillon where they will be staying.
22 July: Practice match against the local Valle D'Aosta outfit.
29 July: Practice match against the local Valle D'Aosta outfit.
3 August: Take part in the Birra Moretti Trophy with Inter and Bari.
9 August: Take part in the Republic of San Marino Trophy.
12 August: The end of the Chatillon training camp.
13 August: Bologna-Juventus friendly.
17 August: Juventus A will play Juventus B at Villar Perosa.
Berlsuconi Trophy: The date has yet to be set. (06/06/00)

81.)Euro 2000 has started and so far Italy has played 2 games. In both games (against Turkey and Belgium), Alex could only be the substitue. (In Turkey, substitued Fiore while in Belgium, substitued Totti)
"I'm flattered by all the attention," he said. "It's perhaps a tribute to the things I've done in the past. "I don't ask myself why I'm not in the first team. If it happens that I play a quarter of an hour as I did against Turkey then I'll play as well as I can."
"I hope to play as much as possible, I hope to make myself useful, I hope to do well. That's it in a nutshell."(15/06/00)

82.)Congratulation Alex!!! Del Piero scored the decisive goal in Euro 2000 (the game against Sweden). In the previous games (against Turkey and Belgium), Alex could only substitue his team-mates. This time, Alex had his first appearance as the first team in Euro 2000 and he scored at 88th minutes! Who says he can't score apart from penalty? Who says he's not in the best state? His goal makes people shut up. He's still the boy wonder for Italy. (20/06/00)

83.)Alex played for 120 minutes in the match against Holland(29/6) . He concentrated more in defence in this match. Although he didn't score, he still played pretty well. And finally, Italy wins during the penalty shoot. 3:1 (De Biagio, Pessotto, Totti and Kluveit) (01/07/00)

84.)Del Piero lost 2 goals in the euro 2000 final. "I'm destroyed. Destroyed because incredibly we've lost and destroyed because I had chances to score and I didn't manage to take them." Alex said desperately after the match.
"Both misses were as bad as each other. I wouldn't have minded hitting the second one badly if I had taken the first well, but these are all phrases that don't mean much at the moment. Our bitterness is too great."
One fears for the reaction of the Italian press to their favourite subject - the Juventus star Del Piero.
Italian forward Francesco Totti, who helped set up the opening goal and one of Del Piero's fine chances, wished Italy had played as they did against Holland.
"Everyone said we played badly (in the semifinal) and we were lucky to win. Today we played well and we've lost. Maybe it's better to play badly." (really???)(05/07/00)

85.)Here is what Alex thought after the euro 2000 final. "Yes, I blame myself and I feel a lot of guilt. I had two great chances and I missed both of them, obviously I feel the most guilty member of the team for this defeat," Del Piero said. (Alex you no need to blame on yourself)
"I feel devastated. We could have won the game and now be telling all of you how great it feels to be the strongest team in Europe."
In trying to relive the emotions of a night he would like to forget the Italian commented: "When Ambrosini passed to me the second time I was sure I was going to score. I tried to keep the ball on the ground as Barthez was coming towards me, but the keeper did well keeping the ball out with his feet." (I hate you Barthez)
"It's very difficult to think clearly now, losing a final in this way darkens my mind. The only thing I know is that we lost the European Championship final, other matters are not important."
Finally, Del Piero comments: "I want to forget this as soon as possible, but it will not be easy. I wonder how long it will take to heal what I'm feeling inside. We were just seconds away from the end of the game and winning the title, but then the unexpected happened. The thing that hurts me most is the fact that I had those two chances. The ball came right to my feet twice and I messed up both times. Forgive me." (we will forgive cos it's not your fault!) (11/07/00)

86.)Thanks you Anita for giving me this news again. Honorary president Umberto Agnelli visited Juve and told the press "We were very prudent with Del Piero last season. We protected him quite a bit, but this season he will be treated just like the others: if he doesn't play well, he won't get picked." Hey guy, how come??? (10/08/00)

87.)The president of Juve has warned Alex before. Here is the reply of Alex. "Our president said what is true for everybody and I agree with him. Only the best ones deserve to play. Last year I was given all the chances to recuperate gradually and now I want and I have to do more. I would never want the coach to have me playing only because I'm one of the oldest Juve players or because they like me. If I play it has to be because I deserve it." (23/08/00)

88.)Agnelli, who met all the players on Monday, warned: "If Del Piero does not play well, he will go out of the line-up."
"Last year we cuddled him, this year he will be judged along with everyone else. In the striker line we also have Filippo Inzaghi and David Trezeguet and the French player is a very good player."
Agnelli said about the struggle to win back the Scudetto: "I think that seven or eight teams have the same possibilities at the beginning of the tournament. Then luck and determination will be very important." (how come everybody points the finger towards Alex? I don't think he played bad last season!) (23/08/00)

89.)Something about Del Piero at the present. "Every department has been strengthened," declares the player in the Corriere dello Sport. "Juve have never dropped off the pace and we have made sufficient changes. The youth policy is invaluable if we are to unearth other Del Piero's in the future. One thing for sure is that Roma, Lazio and Milan have made some excellent signings. On my part it won't be easy to save face both on and off the field. If I end up making 20 assists and scoring one goal then so be it."
"The fans always want more from Del Piero," continues the number 10. "For me it's like a stimulus. I am aware of the fact that they respect me and expect a lot in return. I want to do well and hope to do so. How well it goes will depend on circumstances."(23/08/00)

90.)Here are how Alex thinks of different issues.
Alex on last season :
"Particular attention was paid to my situation due to the severity of my injury. The same will happen to Ronaldo when he comes back, as is the case with any player out for a long period of time. I am happy that it is like this as it shows that the club was hoping to rely on me."
Alex on the critics :
"It angered me to hear, as happened also at the European Championships, that I am only playing to keep the sponsors happy. I only started one match, against Holland, as you can't really count the Sweden match (qualification was already assured). Let's use Juve as an example: I was left out of the Final in Munich for another player (1997 European Cup). It's true that last year I played in the League but Carlo Ancelotti always said that I got what I deserved."
Alex on making excuses :
"I've never looked for them, not even last year. I started playing well in October, which was also the case in previous seasons. It is not unusual for a player to find his feet in winter."
Alex on goals :
"It was the only thing missing last year. I played well and not so well, as happens to everyone. A striker is always expected to score goals but a player should be able to offer more than that. Scoring more is obviously important, even though I believe the fans, the club, my team-mates and the coach were happy with my contribution last season."
Alex on luck :
"I have had time to think things over and have come to the conclusion that I am still owed a bit of luck. It's true that in five years I have won everything but let's not forget that Champions League Final in Amsterdam, the 1998 World Cup and the drug taking accusations, which was the worse thing. Then came the injury and the European Championship and the baggage that I am carrying from that. This is why the comments of Doctor Agnelli don't really bother me too much, as I have been through a lot worse..."
Alex on Euro 2000 :
"In the end I spoke about what happened as objectively as possible and, yes, you could say that I have become one of the "if only" brigade ("if only I had put away those chances..."). But I think that bad luck had a part to play in me becoming a member of the "if only" club as the goal we conceded was done so with only 30 seconds left to play. But let's not forget that we lost to the world champions. It was an important experience, but it's a shame that the finger of blame has been pointed only at me." (Alex, I totally agree!!!)
Alex on Zoff and Berlusconi :
"I think it was all a bit exaggerated: there was excessive criticism from one side and a case of over-reaction from the other (with his resignation)."
Alex on Juventus :
"The team has been strengthened in every department, which is only right if we are to challenge teams of a higher calibre than last year (in Europe). The others have also been strengthened. This happened in previous years, but we have always remained among the challengers. Juve must play their new signings and I have to do even better, whether that's through goals or assists. The important thing for me is not just to try and save face but to do the best I can for the team."(23/08/00)

91.)Alex scored and made a wonderful assist in a friendly match. "The fact that we were playing a foreign opponent in front of such a warm crowd meant that it felt like a proper game. I'm glad we won - it was a good psychological test for us, and we proved we were able to step things up when we needed to," explained Alex, who played in a spot normally reserved for Zinedine Zidane.
There is, of course, one major problem with fielding Del Piero behind the front two: he loves scoring goals. "For an attacking midfielder, it's considered a bonus, but for a striker it's obligatory." Del Piero's delight at scoring in Catania was obvious. In his own words, "I can't explain how I feel after scoring. In this case it seemed like a bit of a dream. I was happy to get my name on the scoresheet because I had worked very hard on the pitch, and also because I haven't been in that situation too often in the last two years." (23/08/00)

92.)After months of speculation about his form and fitness, Alessandro Del Piero can take no more. "I've been hammered by everyone. Only Juve and the fans have stood by me," moans the player. This after reported 'deliver or else' ultimatums from club president Gianni Agnelli and Azzurri coach Giovanni Trapattoni.
"I have to fight against all the bad things said about me. Such as when people say I was the reason Italy lost at Euro 2000." According to the Milan-based daily, Del Piero is ready to prove everybody wrong.(05/09/00)

93.)Something said by Alex. "Some people say I am finished," Del Piero said. "We will see if it's true. I reckon once I score my first goal next season everything will change. Once I score, I'll be back on track."
Del Piero said: "Being called the betrayer of Italy hurts, but I am not afraid of the critics. I think I played sufficiently well in Budapest, especially in the first half.
"It is strange that a few months ago Filippo Inzaghi (his Juventus and Italy strike partner) was on the grill. I scored with my left foot against Sweden and people said I had revived my career, but now I'm back in the firing line.
"But my situation is not drastic. Real dramas are for others. This is a negative patch in my career, but after my injuries I must regard myself as lucky that I have the chance to prove the critics wrong." (19/09/00)

94.)Lippi, the pevious coach of Juve, has some commend on Alex.
"Del Piero? He is a real champion! But not just like player. He is also a champion as person!" Lippi said.
"Last three seasons were very difficult for Alex : first he has been charged to use doping, false charges obviously but which leave a track in a player; then he get injured, a serious problem with the knee, which kept him far from the pitch for long time. Well in my opinion at least one year is needed to recover fully from a such injury"
"So I'm sure when I say Del Piero isn't a problem at all for Juventus, and he will play a great season coming back on his top standards" (02/10/00)

95.)Alex scored a wonderful goal in the first match of the season!!!!! People kept blaming him not to score enough but now he showed his talent in field again.
That was a wonderful goal. Alex was in the left side of the court and he stopped with the ball. He kicked the ball and made it turns an amazing parabola. The ball passed an opposite player and the goalkeeper, went straight to the corner!!!
CONGRATULTION TO ALEX!!!!! (02/10/00)

96.)This news is rather old but it's still deserved to be posted. Alex scored 2 penalties in the game against Georgian which was the World Cup European group eight qualifier for Italy. Though some people is still blaming his fault in Euro 2000, Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni put the trust on him. "Georgia really made us suffer in the first half and twice Toldo had to save us. But we started to improve in midfield and in the end I think it was a fair result. But I think that Georgia showed tonight that they can be our most dangerous rivals in this group," said Trapattoni.
"It went well for Del Piero tonight but above all this was a victory that showed the need for collective hard work and determination even when things are not going so well," said Trapattoni.(06/11/00)

97.)Alex scored 2 important goals which brought the victory of Italy. Though they were from penalty, it's better than drew or lost the game. And how did Alex think about his performance?
"I hadn't to prove anything to anyone tonight, my only target was that to help the team to take the win. Obviously I'm very happy for the two goals I scored, to net is always very important, even if it comes from penalties. They give me trust and joy, so I could say I found what I was looking for" (06/11/00)

98.)I have watched the game of Milan VS Juve and saw that Alex was the captain in field again. Wow~ hope everything will be going fine to him~(03/11/00)

99.)Here is the news from the official Juve site and I don't know how to shorten it. So I copied the whole paragraph.
After a time spent away from the cameras and journalists, working in silence and concentration, Alex Del Piero decided it was once again time to speak about Juve and his own form, especially after his impressive performance in the San Siro against Internazionale in Sunday evening's clash.
It has been a difficult time what with elimination from the Champions League and having to get used to the inevitable moments spent on the bench which a large squad and rotation policies dictate. "Not only on the bench, in the stands too, let's not forget!" pointed out Alex. "The media always speak of just four strikers fighting over two starting places, but one shouldn't forget other areas of the pitch. There are players of great quality such as [Fabian] O'Neill and young promising players like [Marco] Zanchi who are currently often in the stands."
It's not an easy situation to manage, given that it's never enjoyable for a player to have to sit out a match. But Juve are a very close-knit group of players and there are no problems amongst them. "We all accept the situation, although when you're left out you still remain unhappy about it. That's normal, but let's not forget that we put ourselves in this situation. Had we been competing in more than one competition there would have been more space for others," he explained.
"Unfortunately things didn't go our way and so we must concentrate on our one objective. If we keep our minds fixed on this objective then all Carlo Ancelotti's decisions will be acceptable, because what counts is the good of the team."
On a more personal note, Alex is quite happy with his current contribution. "Let's say that my form fluctuates with that of the team. I played a good match at the San Siro, but we can't allow ourselves to drop a two goal lead, to allow the opposition to catch us like that. When you can win, you must. At the moment our main rival is Roma, but the one thing I'm missing is the odd goal." (31/12/00)

100.)The club doctor Riccardo Agricola scanned for Alex and checked that he suffered a muscle injury to his right thigh and would be out for 30 to 40 days... In fact, this news should be a month ago but I was having the final exam and so I didn't put it in my page. Sorry about that~ (31/12/00)

111.)Alex scored a wonderful goal in the match against Bari last Sunday(18/02/01). Alex was not in a talkative mood after the match and passed on a message to the press officer Alessio Secco: ¡§I¡¦m happy for the team and for myself. It was a very important victory which has taken place in a very difficult week for me.That¡¦s all I have to say at the moment.¡¨
His team mates, who have stayed by his side during this difficult period, talked above all else about him: "The true Del Piero came back some time ago ¡V confirms Ferrara ¡V it¡¦s just that the critics will only take note of the goal, and none of the other important things he did for the team.¡¨ The Bianconero defender then gave his opinion on their performance: "It was one of the less impressive games we¡¦ve played, especially in the first half, when we gave away too much space to Bari - Then we pulled ourselves together and ended up with three vital points.¡¨ (19/02/01)

112.)The coach's comment for Del Piero:
Del Piero lived up to his name today, he scored an important goal, both for the team and for himself, especially considering the terrible weight he must be under at less than a week from his father¡¦s death. From a physical point of view he is in good shape. His leg play is not unknown, he often does this, just that it does not always work."(19/02/01)

113.)After having not played since the 10th of December, due to a strained muscle, Alex Del Piero has decided to buckle down and recover completely from the terrible injury he suffered on the 8th of November 1998. He is sure that he will be able to regain the form he had before, ¡§I am sure that I will be able to be my former self and I want to do it here at Juve,¡¨ underlined Alex, who was anxious to clear up any doubt about his future with the club. Just for the record I would like to state that I have always been happy at Juventus and that this has been a relationship in which both sides have given a lot. When I make an important decision I always consult Juventus. Even though other voices may be going around, only myself and Juventus are authorised to make statements about my future.¡¨(19/02/01)

114.)Alex scored the only goal in yesterday's match, Lazio Vs Juventus. Inspite of this wonderful goal, Juve still lost the game (4:1). Anyway, I think the past Alex has been back and let's wish him all the best for his career. (19/03/01)

115.)How did Alex think after the loss toward Lazio?
We players have to make sure that the fans watch games with less exasperation. We have to help to de-stress this world of football. Unfortunately, in today¡¦s football there is too much frenzy which tends to result in situations which are unmanageable.
On Collina¡¦s refereeing, Alex pleads reason: ¡§I think that by the end of the season, refereeing mistakes are evened out. Not everyone shares this exasperation. On Sunday, Collina made mistakes, but its part of the game even if the fans don¡¦t see it like that. I don¡¦t think there was anything premeditated in it¡¨.(23/03/01)

116.)Against the South American side, it was Vieri who made up the striking partnership, but this time the ex-Juve player is back home, injured. Now Del Piero¡¦s outstanding form, on show on Sunday night against Lazio, could tip the scales towards ¡§Pinturicchio¡¨. The idea to reproduce Juve¡¦s striking force only pleases SuperPippo: ¡§Alex? Yes, I can see it too. He and I know each other very well. Trapattoni knows what we can do. On the field we always provide guaranteed skill."(23/03/01)

117.)After the injury picked up against Parma, Del Piero has come back in great form: ¡§I admit that this is without doubt absolutely my best period since the injury at Udine. You¡¦ve said that, other than the goals, I am also making assists? I made them last year too, but people were looking more at the goals that didn¡¦t arrive¡¨. That's undoubtly a great news to all the fans.
A thought to the national team: ¡§Totti hasn¡¦t taken my place away, because in the national team he plays in a different position from me, I play as second striker. Up until now I¡¦ve played very little, its true, but its up to the coach to make judgements.¡¨(23/03/01)