Close Up - Alessandro DEL PIERO Translate this page The summary for this Japanese page contains characters that cannot be correctly displayed in this language/character set. http://www.soccerdays.com/close_up/del_piero.html
Extractions: U.S. Men's schedule U.S. men's roster U.S. generated no real attack in setback to Italy, but scrappy defense was impressive. U.S. men CATANIA, Italy (Wednesday, February 13, 2002) The United States men battled valiantly, but Alessandro Del Pieros goal in the 62nd minute gave Italy a 1-0 victory in an internationally friendly before 25,000 Stadio Cibali tonight. A fair result would have been a scoreless draw since Italys one goal was the product of a sequence that began with an obvious foul that was not called. Gianluca Zambrotta, who came on after intermission, as did Del Piero, used both hands to push American defender David Regis off the ball and to the ground and start a quick counter on the right flank. With the U.S. in the process of moving forward, the quick transition left the defense completely out of position. Zambrotta found an open Massimo Marazzina, in stride as he approached the top right of the penalty area. Marazzina carried into the top of the box and then, with goalkeeper Brad Friedel protecting the near post, crossed to an unmarked Del Piero for a simple six-yard right-footed volley into the far side as three Americans helplessly pursued from behind.
Extractions: SoccerTimes (Wednesday, February 13, 2002) United States mens Bruce Arena cannot be too happy with his attack, though he can be pleased with his defense after losing 1-0 to Italy at Stadio Cibali in Catania, Italy. It was troubling how little offense the U.S. generated despite the Italys decision to concede tons of room in the first half. And when an Italian defense considered the most organized and efficient in the world gave the Americans a gift, Landon Donovan could not convert his free run on goal. Sixteen yards out and with plenty of net to shoot at, the teenager hit the far left post and watched the ball spin harmlessly away. Italian goalkeeper Francesco Toldo was not otherwise tested, making four routine saves. Still, the U.S. played one of the World Cup favorites even, considering the one Italian goal shouldnt have been. Defender David Regis was shoved to the ground by Gianluca Zambrotta who started a quick counterattack which the Americans were in no position to defend. Two quick passes later, Alessandro Del Piero hit an easy six-yard volley into an open net for the game-winner as three U.S. defenders chased futilely from behind. In the first half, the Italians seemed content to defend, allowing the U.S. plenty of space in the midfield. When Italy attacked, the American backs and defensive midfielder Chris Armas did a nice job with Christian Vieri and Francesco Totti, that being no small achievement.
Italians And Danes In A Scoreless Draw The silver ball squirmed away from the goalkeeper, straight to alessandro del piero.And when del piero volleyed it back, Sorensen, on one knee, http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-06/15/content_339442.htm