Vialli: 'Juve scared of Del Piero'

Gianluca Vialli believes Juventus have done the right thing in letting Alessandro Del Piero go. “His presence scares the other strikers.”

The captain’s contract expires in June and the club does not seem likely to bow to fan pressure for an extension.

“It wasn’t a low blow. Perhaps Del Piero announcing a year ago that he’d sign a blank contract rather surprised President Andrea Agnelli,” Vialli told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is legitimate for Juve to think of a future without Del Piero. Maybe his presence scares the other strikers, as they do not feel relaxed and able to give their best. Perhaps having such an important man on the bench means they cannot take full responsibility.

“Besides, as far as Del Piero is concerned, it is better to be regretted than have people put up with you. It’s best not to one day hear someone say: ‘Oi, when are you going to retire?’”

+1 for that Vialli.

He is the first guy talking some sense on this matter, he knows Juve.

that is one good reason to drop DEL PIERO but I have one good reason to keep him

JUVENTUS need DEL PIERO a specially on important games to calm down the team

DEL PIERO need to retire only if we bring MESSI

The other strikers aren't scared of Del Piero. This is just ridiculous.

Vialli sorry brother but the whole scared bull crap is pretty false. Del piero is an experienced man who will most likely calm down the younger players, and lead with his experience. After all, he is the captain.

I can't agree the strikers feel too much pressure in the presence of ADP, he quietly accepts his bit part role. I do see where he's coming from with his other point about ADP or anybody getting to the age where they're just playing because of their past and people start to get angry with them.

This wouldn't happen though because ADP won't try and pressure the manager into playing him. He's too respectful.