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Del Piero ready for any role in new Juventus system
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-20 09:30
ROME: Fit-again Alessandro del Piero is keen to get his campaign underway after playing just 10 minutes with Juventus so far this season but the captain may have to take up an unfamiliar role to get back into the team.
Second-place Juventus, who play Udinese on Sunday (Monday morning, Beijing time) and trail leaders Inter Milan by five points, have adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Ciro Ferrara which seeks to make the most of new signing Diego's playmaking talents.
That system, however, leaves no room for del Piero's favored role, that of second striker. The captain, who has been hampered by back and thigh injuries, may have to play on the wing if he wants a slice of the action.
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"People want all the phenomenal players on the pitch together but Ferrara has to think about the team's balance," Deschamps said.
"My answer is that you cannot have del Piero and (Italy winger Mauro) Camoranesi playing behind a lone striker - one or the other. It's complicated because knowing del Piero, I'm not sure how he'll take certain decisions." 
Del Piero has shown reluctance to drop back into midfield, once saying he only wanted to be considered as a striker for Italy selection and at 35 he may struggle with the tempo required in a less advanced position.
Juve's all-time top scorer, however, said he was prepared to play any role as he seeks to get regular playing time and show the form needed to win back his Italy place before next year's World Cup finals.
"I'm ready for Sunday, my championship can finally start," he said. "My characteristics are those of a striker but I'm totally willing to do anything."
Midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Mohamed Sissoko are also on the mend after injuries and may be available this weekend but forward Vincenzo Iaquinta is still out with a knee problem.
Reuters
