Juventus to unleash Del Piero

By Football Italia staff

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Alessandro Del Piero will start in “the most important match of the season” against Milan on Tuesday.

Del Piero’s 18 appearances so far this term have mainly come from the bench, but the 37-year-old will get a chance in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia against Milan.

“Del Piero will play, he adds something to this team,” Conte said on Monday with his side holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Milan. “I expect a lot from him and Juve.

“It is a game which will allow us the possibility of winning a trophy. Tomorrow we'll play our most important game of the season, but I hope that there are even more important ones to come.”

Despite the high profile nature of the tie, Conte confirmed that he will keep faith with Coppa ‘keeper Marco Storari instead of Gigi Buffon.

“Storari will certainly play as he offers a lot of stability. I would also like to thank [third-choice Alex] Manninger, someone who I class as fundamental to the dressing room.”

Juve and Milan are currently battling for the Scudetto, but the Old Lady tactician insists that is a separate fight.

“Tuesday’s match has nothing to do with the Italian championship. The result won’t affect any of the two teams in terms of the Scudetto.

“I’m not interested in what is going through the minds of those at Milan. I’m only interested in what I need my players to understand.

“At this point in time it is important to get the maximum out of everything, then we’ll see where that will take us.

“If I have no regrets in June then it will mean that we couldn’t have done any more.”

Conte has reverted to the 4-3-3 system in recent weeks, but he’s failed to rule out a change in shape at the Juventus Stadium.

“The 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 are relatively interchangeable. I can also use them during the same game. The attitude is the most important thing.

“For us, during this time of reconstruction, it would be important to take home this trophy.”

Juventus have not won the Coppa Italia since 1994-95.

Juventus possible: Storari; Caceres, Chiellini, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pepe; Del Piero, Vucinic.

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