Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero suggests Paulo Dybala lacked confidence in Turin, while José Mourinho ‘strongly wanted him’ at Roma, making him a key player at the Stadio Olimpico.
La Joya scored a goal in Roma’s 2-0 win over RB Salzburg on Thursday, helping the Giallorossi qualify for the Europa League Round of 16.
“He is becoming more mature. He went through important steps at Juventus, some nice and others not so nice, with many injuries,” Del Piero told Sky Sport.
“He wasn’t among the protagonists at the World Cup, but there was an important moment with the penalty in the Final.
“The coach strongly wanted the transfer [to Roma], it would be interesting to know how José Mourinho has shaped Dybala this season, making him return at this level. I like to analyse these psychological aspects,” continued the 2006 Italy World Cup winner.
“Tonight [last night] you wouldn’t say he had had a flexor problem. You do that if you are fit, you have confidence and you feel loved. He needs to feel wanted and loved and then he has qualities which he never lacked. When one has consistency he can make a difference.”
Dybala and Del Piero are close friends and the ex-Italy international often visited the Argentinean at his home in Turin when Dybala was playing for Juventus.
La Joya left the Allianz Stadium last summer at the end of his contract, which Juventus refused to extend due to technical and financial reasons.
The 29-year-old has 12 goals and seven assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season. His current deal at the Stadio Olimpico expires in June 2025, but his contract includes a €20m clause, which is lower – circa €12m – for clubs outside Serie A.