Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus’ “moment of truth” awaits them when they face Napoli, Olympiacos and Inter in two weeks’ time.
Juve will sit the biggest tests of their Scudetto credentials against Napoli and Inter at the start of December, with a Champions League decider at Olympiacos sandwiched in-between, and Del Piero feels the run of matches are a ‘jolt’ that his former club need.
Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus’ “moment of truth” awaits them when they face Napoli, Olympiacos and Inter in two weeks’ time.
Juve will sit the biggest tests of their Scudetto credentials against Napoli and Inter at the start of December, with a Champions League decider at Olympiacos sandwiched in-between, and Del Piero feels the run of matches are a ‘jolt’ that his former club need.
“Draw with Barca a setback? Yes, but it was a calculated setback on Wednesday,” the Bianconeri icon told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I’ve heard that drawing or losing was the same, but it’s not true: now Sporting have to win and Juve don’t.
“The point was crucial for morale and their place in the group, even though Barcelona have dominated it for a long time.
“End of an era? That unconscious feeling of satisfaction is a nightmare for any Coach and players after so many successes.
“Ruthlessness and competitiveness come out easier when you lose, but I’ve always seen great commitment from Juve.
“Only five goals in five games? It’s one of issues that Allegri’s facing. This Juve are built to score a goal more than their opponents, not concede one less.
“Maybe time is all that’s needed for the new players to make their mark.
“Sometimes you go through a funnel then find a great big road. It’s not the first time Juve have limped in the autumn, but they have to be in form in the spring. That’s why I still expect Juve to be the leading lights in Italy and Europe.
“Napoli, Olympiakos and Inter in one week their moment of truth? Yes. Juve need a jolt like that.
“They need those two or three games to give them the feeling of being back. Allegri’s been waiting for this moment.
You have experienced difficult moments like the current Dybala. What advice would you give him?
“Dybala? He played very well against Barcelona and the only one who offered something different.
“He kept the ball, attracted fouls and almost scored towards the end. He’s raising the bar further and he’ll find the balance needed to get back to the levels that he started the season at.”
Gianluigi Buffon’s tears after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup mirrored those of a nation, so what impact did they have on Del Piero?
“So much sadness,” admitted the goalkeeper’s ex-colleague.
“Gigi showed his greatness once more. One of my most important dreams happened at the 1982 World Cup. I was only eight years old.
“We still haven’t come to terms with our elimination, but that’s where our football is.”