Del Piero named Italy captain

June 9, 2008

With 2006 FIFA Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro out with injury, the Azzurri have chosen Alessandro Del Piero as his replacement as team captain.

Del Piero is the most capped player on the Italian squad after Cannavaro with 86 appearances for his country. His spot on this year’s Euro squad was earned with a commanding ‘Capocannoniere’ performance with Juventus in the 07-08 Serie A season, where he found the net 21 times. He played a key role during Italy’s World Cup 2006 win, typically playing as an attacking midfielder or second striker just behind the front line of attack.

Although Alex is one of the few players remaining from Italy’s last game against the Dutch, he is not expected by many to start against the Netherlands when Italy opens their Euro 2008 campaign against the ‘Oranje’ on June 9th.

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