In the lands of Piedmont, Del Piero is synonymous with grandeur.
The Italian striker is the top scorer and the most capped player in Juventus history.
Its former president, Giovanni Agnelli, had nicknamed it “Pinturicchio” in reference to a Renaissance painter.
Because Del Piero's goals have an artistic dimension.
Ask Real Madrid.
The two European giants find themselves in the same group in the Champions League during the 2008-09 season.
On the return, Del Piero will score a brace and receive a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
It is true that in the first leg, the Madrid supporters have already had a glimpse of the talent of the Italian.
Del Piero's goal against Real Madrid in October 2008 (2-1)
We have only been playing for 5 minutes at the Olympic stadium in Turin when Amauri stares at Pepe, while Fabio Cannavaro is out on Del Piero who picks up.
Amauri serves his friend in depth.
At 20 meters, the Bianconero is crossed by an inspiration: Iker Casillas advanced, he wraps a superb strike with the right foot which scotches the Spanish goalkeeper.
Juve leads 1-0.
Decisive passer, Amauri turns into a scorer after half-time, and the reduction of the gap by Ruud van Nistelrooy will only be anecdotal (2-1).
The mark left by Del Piero, against Real and in football in the broad sense, is eternal.
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