Farina wants protection for Del Piero

Updated December 30, 2012 14:55:07

Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has called for referees to give Alessandro Del Piero better protection after the Italian superstar was ruled out of his team's New Year's eve clash with Adelaide United.

Del Piero was deemed unfit to play Monday's game because of leg soreness after a torrid time in his team's 1-0 upset victory over league leaders Central Coast on Thursday.

"Alessandro has pulled up really sore in the achilles and calf after Thursday's match and he isn't fit to travel to Adelaide," Farina said.

"He got fouled eight or ten times during the match and with the short turn around he hasn't been able to train and he's not fit to play.

"It's a blow for us and a shame for the people of Adelaide but I think there needs to be better protection for him on the field.

"We play a physical game and Alessandro is a big boy who can handle himself but he is getting kicked repeatedly and if that continues he will miss games through injury.

"Hopefully he will be able to recover in time for the next away trip to Perth."

Del Piero joins a long list of injured Sydney FC players to miss the clash with Adelaide United including Ivan Necevski, Fabio, Pascal Bosschaart, Jason Culina, Joel Chianese, Mitch Mallia, Kruno Lovrek and Paul Reid.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, australia, sydney-2000

First posted December 30, 2012 14:55:07

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Del Piero hints at contract resolution

Updated December 26, 2012 14:05:29

Alessandro Del Piero has hinted that his contract situation with Sydney FC could be resolved soon but the superstar says his focus is solely on resurrecting the Sky Blues' ailing A-League campaign.

The club and Del Piero's management team including brother Stefano are believed to be negotiating terms for the optional second year of his two-year contract.

There has been speculation the 38-year-old Del Piero will leave the last-placed Sydney FC at the end of the A-League season.

"Everything is clear for me and the club ... we can do earlier than what we think about the contract," said Del Piero on Wednesday.

"It's not a stress here for me ... I want to put all my knowledge and my heart into (games) ... my brother (can) talk about that (contract) - it's his problem not mine.

"I've spent a really good time here ... at the moment I think the best thing for me and for the club and for team-mates and everyone here is to concentrate about the games.

"We have to put all of our energy, mentally and physically (into games) ... not about other things.

"I'm really enjoying it here ... now we have to win a couple of games for more enjoyment."

Sydney FC has just three wins this season and faces a tough three games over the holiday period starting with competition leader Central Coast at Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday.

The Sky Blues then face tough road trips against second-placed Adelaide on New Year's Eve and Perth on January 5.

"This is our moment. We have to jump over this moment with heart, with fight and pressure and a little luck for us," Del Piero said.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 26, 2012 14:05:29

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McFlynn tips Del Piero to stay

Updated December 19, 2012 12:26:40

Sydney FC captain Terry McFlynn is confident superstar Alessandro Del Piero will not abandon the Sky Blues next season amid interest from other clubs.

Del Piero's future beyond this A-League season has been the subject of speculation this week, with Sydney yet to offer him a contract extension.

The Sky Blues said on Tuesday they wanted to keep the Italian great at the club and talks would commence soon.

However league leader Central Coast has also signalled its interest in signing the 38-year-old.

McFlynn, though, believes Del Piero's first preference will be to finish the job he started with the Sky Blues, who are last after 11 rounds.

"He's won everything in the game ... every competition he's entered since he was a kid, he's won it," McFlynn said of the former Juventus star.

"This is no different. He wants to win it and he sees this as something unfinished for him."

McFlynn was not surprised by another A-League rival signalling its interest in Del Piero.

"He's a world-class footballer and I think any football club in the world would have him and we're just privileged and honoured to have him here," the midfielder said.

"He's a fantastic person and a great character and for everyone at this football club, from the management to the players, we learn something from him every day."

McFlynn will return from suspension in Saturday night's clash with Newcastle at Hunter Stadium as the Sky Blues look to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Western Sydney.

Del Piero came off the bench in the loss due to a hamstring complaint but trained fully with the side on Wednesday and looks likely to return to the starting team.

Saturday's match represents a huge opportunity for Sydney to return to form, with the Jets winless in five games and coming off three straight losses.

But McFlynn stressed Sydney had only been focusing on itself heading into a crucial run of matches.

"We have to get our own backyard in order first," he said.

"We're still within touching distance of the rest of the pack but we have to start winning games."

Centre-back Pascal Bosschaart missed part of Wednesday's training session with a calf complaint but is expected to be fit to face the Jets.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 19, 2012 12:24:12

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Del Piero a chance for derby

Updated December 13, 2012 12:21:22

Sydney FC coach Frank Farina says he is hopeful Italian star Alessandro Del Piero will be fit to play in Saturday's A-League derby with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Del Piero did not train with the bottom-placed Sky Blues on Thursday as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that sidelined him from last week's 2-1 win away to Wellington.

Farina said he would give Del Piero until just before the match at Sydney Football Stadium to prove his fitness.

"You'd like to be in a situation where there was no question about him playing, but there is still that little bit of doubt there," Farina said.

"But we've still got 48 hours."

After ending their five-game winless streak last week, the Sky Blues will be boosted by the return of Terry Antonis and Brett Emerton who missed the past two matches while on national team duty in Hong Kong where the Socceroos qualified for the East Asian Cup.

Farina indicated it would be tough to drop anyone involved in the win last weekend.

But he will be without defensive midfielder Terry McFlynn as he serves a one-match ban for being sent off last week, with Emerton, Antonis or Hagi Gligor the likely contenders as the replacement.

"No one really deserves to miss out from last weekend, but that decision will be made tomorrow after the final session," Farina said.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 13, 2012 12:21:22

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Del Piero unsure of Sydney stay

Updated December 12, 2012 16:51:04

Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero wants to play another season in Australia but says his discussions with Sydney FC have stalled.

The former Juventus playmaker joined the club in September, making the 2006 World Cup winner the biggest signing in the domestic A-League history.

The lucrative deal, reportedly worth 1.6 million euros (US$2 million) a season, was for one-year with another one-year option.

He told journalists on Wednesday talks had taken place between his management and the club about staying on but the situation had turned into a waiting game.

"We have been talking. We are waiting (for) what it (the club) decide ... they wait (for) me. Everybody is waiting," Del Piero told The Australian.

"We have discussed things. We have a good relationship, but at the moment we have to think day by day."
Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata, who was instrumental in bringing Del Piero to Australia, confirmed the player wanted to take up the extra year option.

"We had preliminary discussions a few weeks ago and Ale indicated he was keen to stay," Pignata told the newspaper.

"But the focus, as you would understand, has been on finding a new coach after Ian (Crook) left and getting the club back on track.

"Now we have appointed Frank Farina (as coach). It will be a matter for the board to sit down and sort out something in regards to Ale in the next few weeks".

Sydney has had a miserable season and is currently bottom of the A-League ladder after 10 games, having won just three.

AFP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, australia

First posted December 12, 2012 16:51:04

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Sky Blues told to embrace Del Piero hype

Updated October 12, 2012 14:29:26

Sydney FC are determined to embrace the hype - not buckle under it - when Alessandro Del Piero makes his home debut against Emile Heskey's Newcastle Jets in Saturday's encounter.

Sydney is expecting a record regular season crowd of over 30,000 for the most eagerly-anticipated fixture at Sydney Football Stadium this season.

But with it comes added pressure to produce quality football - and a win - to keep notoriously fickle Sydney spectators coming back, especially after their disappointing season-opening loss in Wellington.

Coach Ian Crook wants his players to relish the opportunity and occasion.

"It will be a great atmosphere here on Saturday with Alessandro's first home game," Crook said.

"There's been a lot of hype around that and I think it's something we should just embrace and enjoy because it's not too often that we've ever been able to get close to a full house.

"There's always pressure to win here (at home).

"There'll be expectation every week, not just this week.

"There will be a big crowd and that's what we're in the game for.

"I'd rather be playing in front of 30,000 with some expectations on us instead of 3,000 with no expectations."

Skipper Terry McFlynn said his team-mates were welcoming the extra attention from the media since Del Piero's arrival.

McFlynn also said the Italian star was not losing his patience after Sydney's poor start to the season.

"He is a fantastic professional. You don't reach the levels that he has if you get angry and sulk," McFlynn said.

"We've all sat down as a group, we've used Alessandro's experience, the wealth of it that it is, and put right some of the wrongdoings from last week."

Del Piero looks set to play the full 90 minutes after going the distance in Wellington and in an Australian football first, his every move will be followed by a special Fox Sports 'hero-cam' which will enable TV viewers to track him for the entire match.

Crook admits he was surprised by the 37-year-old former Juventus and Italy legend's stamina in Wellington with no preseason warm-up clashes under his belt.

"If you would have asked me last week I would have said 'no way would he play 90 minutes'," Crook said.

"So I think we'll just keep watching him and assessing him through the game.

"Last week every five or ten minutes in that second half we called out to him and he said 'no I'm fine' so we'll do the same this week."

Young forward Terry Antonis has been ruled out after suffering a concussion in the 2-0 loss to the Phoenix with fellow young guns Dimitri Petratos or Hagi Gligor likely to take his place.

Sydney will also be missing striker Yairo Yau, who is playing in a World Cup qualifier for Panama.

Crook confirmed he is hoping former Socceroos star Jason Culina will be able to join the Sky Blues.

Culina, who is on the comeback trail from a career-threatening knee injury, has been training with Sydney FC.

"Jason has been training with us since day one, since we spoke about helping him with his rehab," Crook said.

"When Jason feels he is ready, we'll sit down and have a chat and decide which way to go.

"We'd love him to be part of this club if and when he feels he's right."

ABC/AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, australia, nsw, newcastle-2300

First posted October 11, 2012 16:41:56

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Sky Blues intent on supplying Del Piero

Updated October 08, 2012 18:40:39

Sydney FC coach Ian Crook has challenged his players to provide better service to Alessandro Del Piero when the Sky Blues play Newcastle on Saturday.

The Italian striker worked tirelessly attempting to spark a flat Sky Blues outfit in his A-League debut, as Crook's team fell 2-0 to the Phoenix in Wellington last Saturday night.

Del Piero did not train with the squad on Monday, with the 37-year-old spending time on a exercise bike before taking a stroll around Sydney's training complex at Macquarie University and making his way to the dressing rooms.

"He obviously was tight and with the flight and everything so with him and Emmo (Brett Emerton) today we thought the best thing was for them just to do a light recovery," Crook said.

A big crowd is expected at Sydney Football Stadium for the Jets' clash, with Del Piero playing his first home match of the season.

And the fans will want to see goals, especially something from the former Italy international.

But Crook says even players of Del Piero's calibre need some assistance to find the back of the net and he is confident the Sky Blues have the men for the job.

"All good players need good service too. Especially players in the front third," Crook said.

"We've got the players to provide it. Things just didn't work out for us on the weekend."

Crook says it was not all about Del Piero just plonking himself in front of goal and expecting his team-mates to deliver the ball on a platter.

"He's never really played just in the box. We feel that we need to have some rotation in there. If he comes short, somebody else goes long and that type of thing," he said.

Crook has no concerns that Del Piero may burn himself out this year if he continues to back-track and work the way he did against the Phoenix.

"He just felt he needed to drop back on the weekend because we weren't getting enough quality to him," he said.

"He had two opportunities at goal in a poor performance from the team. If he can do that in a poor performance then I think that's a good sign. If we perform well, you'll see more chances from him."

The Sky Blues are expected to be without midfielder Terry Antonis, who suffered concussion against Wellington.

The Jets, who boast former England international striker Emile Heskey, also made an underwhelming start to their season when they fell 2-0 to Adelaide at home on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted October 08, 2012 18:40:39

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Del Piero: Best is some way off

Updated October 08, 2012 14:05:36

Alessandro Del Piero has suggested it may take a quarter of the A-League season before he shows his best form for Sydney FC.

The 37-year-old Juventus legend drifted in and out of the Blues' opening weekend 2-0 defeat to Wellington Phoenix, though still illustrated the delicate touch and vision which made him a key man for the Bianconeri for nearly two decades.

The 2006 World Cup winner warned he is unlikely to be at his best until some way into the 26-game home-and-away season as his preparation has been far short of what he is used to.

"The last season and the season before (at Juventus), we would do seven or eight training matches before the start of the season and I would play 60 or 70 minutes in those games," Del Piero said.

"I haven't this time, so it's quite different.

"I'll need to play those matches."

Del Piero received little service from his team-mates but said this was more due to unfamiliarity than lacking the quality to get the best out of him.

"I am from somewhere else and we play together for the first time," Del Piero said.

"This is a fact. This is a problem, we have to do more work and we have to improve soon.

"We have to think not for the result but to what we have in mind for the whole year."

ABC/AFP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000

First posted October 08, 2012 14:00:10

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Del Piero already lifting new team-mates

Updated September 23, 2012 20:38:38

Alessandro Del Piero's presence has already had an inspirational effect on his Sydney FC team-mates according to emerging star Joel Chianese, who wants to form an attacking partnership with the Italian superstar.

It was the hands rather than the celebrated feet of Del Piero that were kept busy at a club fan day on Sunday.

The Italian great spent over an hour signing his name and posing for photos, where it seemed the majority of the crowd of around 2,000 took away some memento of the former Juventus striker.

He thanked them for a "perfect" first week in Sydney.

"It (the training) is hard with the jet lag but very good and I hope to get better day by day," said Del Piero, who may play a little in Wednesday's behind-closed-doors trial with Central Coast at the Sydney Football Stadium.

In one week, Del Piero's presence has already upped the ante for his new team-mates.

"The boys have just stepped up that extra level now that Alessandro is here," Chianese said.

"Everyone wants to impress him and get on his good side."

Chianese, who burst onto the A-League scene last season with six goals in nine games, could be one of the chief beneficiaries of Sydney's signing of Del Piero, a player he has previously admired from afar.

"He's one of the players I looked up to when I watched Serie A,," said Chianese, who has Italian bloodlines and sheepishly admitted he has supported Roma rather than Juventus.

"I want to cement a nice partnership with him."

Sydney coach Ian Crook is keeping his options open about playing Del Piero as a number nine or number 10.

Chianese suggested the Italian could line up in the latter role.

"I think he wants to get on the ball so maybe number 10 might suit him more, to be putting myself and Mitch (Mallia), or some of us quicker guys in," Chianese said.

"If I can play in front of a guy like Del Piero with all that experience and quality about him, I'm sure he's going to be feeding balls through for me and hopefully I put them away."

Chianese's on field-value to Sydney could be increased by his "almost fluent" Italian, though he has not been called upon to act as an interpreter for Del Piero too often.

"He speaks very good English," Chianese said.

Chianese recognises he won't have the same element of surprise that enabled him to take the A-League by storm last year.

"Everyone sort of knows what I'm about now," Chianese said.

"I've got a little bit of extra work that I need to do, I've tried to get a bit stronger in the preseason especially if I play that number nine role, where I'm sort of going to be on my own with a couple of defenders around me."

Sydney will wear the Sydney.com logo on the back of their shirt this season after clinching a sponsorship deal with Destination NSW.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000

First posted September 23, 2012 17:05:01

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Del Piero debut on hold

Updated September 18, 2012 14:07:34

Prize recruit Alessandro Del Piero will not play his first match for Sydney FC for at least another week, coach Ian Crook confirmed - adding that the Italian will not captain the A-League side.

While the Italian superstar met his Sydney team-mates for the first time at training on Tuesday, Crook revealed the club's scheduled trial match against Newcastle in Budgewoi on Saturday has been cancelled.

Sydney is now likely to have its next hit-out against A-League rival Central Coast behind closed doors sometime next week, with the club expected to announce full details of its final preseason games later on Tuesday.

Crook said Del Piero would play in either the number nine or number 10 position.

And he said while midfielder Terry McFlynn would remain the captain, 37-year-old Del Piero would have a natural leadership role as a senior player.

"The captaincy will stay the same, he'll come into our leadership group ... but certainly things won't change with the actual armband," Crook said

Del Piero participated in a number of passing drills with team-mates at the Sydney Football Stadium in a session that lasted just under an hour.

His new team-mates appeared a little shy about approaching the $2 million a season man in the first few minutes, but Del Piero participated enthusiastically in a session watched by a large media contingent.

Crook was delighted with the effort of his import in the warm conditions.

"It was supposed to be a short and sharp one but everybody is trying to impress, I suppose," Crook told reporters after the session.

"He's obviously got some great touches. He's still struggling a bit with the jet lag but in a week to 10 days, he'll be over that.

"He's a fantastic fellow. Today, he wasn't going to do a lot but, as you saw, he stayed to the end of the session."

Del Piero played 91 internationals for Italy and over 500 Serie A games for Juventus.

AAP/Reuters

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted September 18, 2012 13:19:40

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Charming Del Piero in good shape

Updated September 17, 2012 15:34:29

What started as a serious examination evolved into the warmest of welcomes as Alessandro Del Piero charmed the gathered media in his first press conference in Australia.

In front of a sizeable media contingent at Sydney's Star City Casino, Del Piero promptly won over journalists and a live television audience with his quick wit and some no-nonsense answers.

Introduced by Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow as "the most important signing in the history of football in this country," Del Piero was quick to state he means business.

"First of all I'm here for Sydney FC. And I'm completely focused (on) Sydney FC," Del Piero said.

The 37-year-old also said he is in good physical shape after spending the past two months working out with his personal trainer.

And the former Juventus legend endeared himself when the questions took on a lighter tone.

Del Piero drew laughter when asked what his friends and Juventus fans made of his decision to move to Australia.

"Most of my friends said to me, 'okay, Ale, you want to change... but there's a lot of places closer than Australia!'"

The former Italian international also admitted he convinced his eldest son to move by promising to take him to the zoo.

"(For) my family the first priority is (to see) the kangaroos," he said.

His deft handling of questions about Italy's defeat of Australia at the 2006 World Cup proved he is as elusive off the pitch as on it.

Asked whether he thought Lucas Neill's tackle on Fabio Grosso was worthy of a penalty, Del Piero admitted the Italian defender may have had an ulterior motive for going down inside the penalty area.

"He told me, Alessandro ... 'I'm really tired!'"

The former international, capped 91 times by his country, was quick to add that Italy enjoyed a charmed run during the tournament.

"For us 2006 was the perfect World Cup," Del Piero said.

"Everything goes in the right place."

The man charged with the task of bringing a global focus to the A-League also paid tribute to the wave of European migrants who popularised the game in Australia.

"I know it's a young league but I think about the Australian people, about a lot of Italians (who) emigrated, a lot of English and Greek and Croatian and the Yugoslavian people.

"Everybody has soccer blood ... and we have to wake up that," he said.

And Del Piero made it clear he is capable of handling the pressure of being the A-League's most recognisable star.

"I know there's a lot of expectation ... I love that," he said.

"I play 19 years in Juventus and in Juventus you have to win every game, every match, every year."

Del Piero's first A-League game for Sydney FC is an away fixture at Wellington Phoenix on October 6.

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted September 17, 2012 14:45:51

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Del Piero targets titles with Sydney FC

Updated September 16, 2012 13:59:07

Italian great Alessandro Del Piero arrived in Sydney on Sunday declaring he is here to start a new football career in the A-League not to finish his career.

A chanting, good-natured crowd of about 500 fans welcomed the 37-year-old Del Piero, the biggest signing in Australian football history, after he emerged from customs at Sydney airport about 11.20am.

The $2 million Sydney FC marquee player stopped for one minute to speak to gathered media, answering a few questions in both English and Italian, before police cleared a pathway through the crowd for him to a waiting car.

"I am here not for the end of my career but for the start of my new career," Del Piero said.

Asked if he wanted win titles with Sydney FC, Del Piero said "I want to win some. I play to win."

Many of the fans who greeted him wearing his number 10 on Juventus or Sydney FC shirts, while others waved large banners from the Serie A club that Del Piero played for over 19 seasons.

With Sydney FC playing a trial match against Brisbane in Mackay later on Sunday, chief executive Tony Pignata was one of the few senior club figures at the airport to meet the man he signed to a two-year deal.

Del Piero was taken with his family to a Sydney hotel to rest after his trip from Italy and he is to front a media conference at midday on Monday before training with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday.

Sydney has three training sessions before its final trial match against Newcastle at the weekend, and club officials suggested on Sunday they would leave it to Del Piero to see if he felt sufficiently recovered from jet lag to play in that game.

Del Piero scored 27 goals in 91 internationals for Italy between 1995 and 2008 and 208 goals in 513 games for Juventus.

Fans gathered at Sydney airport from around 5.30am (AEST), several hours before his Singapore Airlines flight arrived.

Initially they were dominated by members of the Sydney chapter of Juventus and, as the morning progressed, they were joined by hundreds of Sydney FC fans, many clad in the club's sky blue shirt.

Sydney FC fan Phil Hope, who has travelled to China, Japan and South Korea to watch the team, said Del Piero's signing meant everything to the supporters.

"The man is a genuine superstar, not just a football superstar he's a sporting superstar worldwide, it's put our club on the map," Hope said.

"He hasn't kicked a ball in anger yet, but already he's paid for himself.

"To put rugby league off the front and back page in the Murdoch press in the middle of the (NRL) finals series, how good is that?

"It's worth two million bucks by itself."

Hope predicted Del Piero's move to Sydney would prove to be a unifying force between the old and new parts of the footballing community.

"It will bring the Italian community up, which is one thing the A-League has lacked," Hope said.

"They've made it non-ethnic support, non-denominational, the reality is we still haven't unified all the old football communities.

"This is going to be a huge step in that direction.

"You will see all the APIA Leichhardt supporters come out and the Marconi supporters will come out, that's only good for the club, that's good for the league.

"The reality is if we treat the man right and we treat him with respect and he likes the league it's going to open the door for other players to come out here, which is only going to make our league a hell of a lot better than what it already is."

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted September 16, 2012 12:04:45

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Del Piero to arrive on Sunday

Updated September 14, 2012 13:04:14

Italian great Alessandro del Piero could pull on a Sydney FC shirt as soon as next weekend after the club announced he would arrive earlier than expected.

The 37-year-old striker will touch down in Sydney on Sunday morning after sealing a lucrative two-year deal with the A-League club last week.

It was thought the former Juventus star would arrive midway through next week but, after receiving his visa clearance, he was keen to link up with his new team as soon as possible.

Del Piero will have to wait at least a day to meet his new teammates, who do not return from Saturday's trial against Brisbane in Mackay until Monday, and is expected to train with them for the first time on Tuesday.

The earlier-than-expected arrival increases Del Piero's chances of making his Sydney debut in the Sky Blues' September 22 trial against Newcastle - in the humble surroundings of Budgewoi on the NSW Central Coast.

Sydney coach Ian Crook and medical staff will run the rule over the Italian's fitness, but certainly won't rush their prize recruit into action for the sake of it.

Del Piero has reportedly kept himself in good shape, working with a personal trainer in Turin.

"As a coaching and medical group well have a chat to him and a good look at him so we can plan through that process," Crook said.

"It's fantastic news that he is arriving on Sunday and we look forward to integrating him into the Sydney FC team.

"He is coming out a little bit earlier than we had thought which is good and shows he's a pro and is keen to get started, which we knew was the case."

Del Piero, who shunned the likes of Liverpool and Celtic to come to the A-League, has generated a fresh wave of excitement for the new season with Sydney claiming his arrival has already helped secure more than 2000 new memberships.

He is expected to make his A-League debut in New Zealand, in Sydney's season opener away to Wellington Phoenix on October 6.

The Sky Blues will play their first home game against the Newcastle Jets on October 13 before facing Western Sydney Wanderers in the inaugural Sydney derby at Parramatta Stadium on October 20.

Sydney are expecting sell-out crowds for their first two home games, and another big turnout for their round four clash against Perth, which has been switched to the Olympic stadium.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted September 14, 2012 13:04:14

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Sydney FC hails Del Piero coup

Updated September 06, 2012 12:21:31

Sydney FC has hailed the signing of Italian soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero as an historic moment for the A-League as a whole.

The club confirmed on Thursday that Del Piero had signed on for a two-year deal, and that reports the Italian would receive $2 million a season were not far off the mark.

"It's a huge moment for this club, and I think an historic moment for fooball in Australia," club chairman Scott Barlow said.

Barlow said that the deal was not a possibility as recently as two weeks ago, when Sydney FC had two marquee players and five visa players on the books.

"It was a bold decision by the board and our CEO, we thought it was the right one," he said.

"We are very honoured at his decision to join us at Sydney FC.

"He is a global icon of the game and we think he can have a major, major impact, both on and off the field.

"He can inspire a new generation of Sydney fans, and he can inspire a new generation of Sydney players."

The club expects him to arrive in Sydney in the next eight or nine days.

Del Piero is 37, but Barlow denied that the Italian superstar's age was a problem.

"He is 37, but he is a world class football player, and still has the ability to play at the very highest level," he said.

"From a footballing perspective we are very confident he can make an impact."

Coach Ian Crook said Del Piero was a great addition to Sydney FC.

"It's a magnificent opportunity for everybody involved in the club ... to get the opportunity to play and learn off someone of his ilk is great," Crook said.

"For me I'm just looking forward to it, it will be great."

Crook said his goal was for the team to gel together as a group.

"He (Del Piero) is a highly important player but he is one of 20 we've got here," he said.

The coach said it was not his call whether Del Piero would get Sydney's number 10 jersey, but said that as the number was free there was "a fair chance" he would get it.

Tags: sport, soccer, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, italy

First posted September 06, 2012 12:20:25

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Del Piero aims to leave legacy in A-League

Updated September 06, 2012 07:23:42

Italian soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero says the desire to leave a legacy in the A-League is the driving force behind his ground-breaking move to Sydney FC.

The Sky Blues completed a gigantic coup for the competition by signing the 37-year-old striker to a two-year deal on Wednesday night (AEST), reportedly worth $2 million a season, with an option of a third season.

After a nervous wait following face-to-face negotiations in Italy over the past three days, Sydney got the answer it had desperately sought to complete the highest-profile signing in the competition's eight-year history.

After turning down offers from several clubs around the world, including Premier League giants Liverpool, the World Cup winner fronted a press conference in Turin to discuss the reasons behind his decision.

He said Sydney was a perfect fit and proudly declared: "For the next two years, I am Australian, so to speak."

And he insisted he would not be coming to Australia for a holiday, proclaiming his desire to score goals, win trophies and help raise the profile and standard of the league.

"I'm coming to Sydney to score and to win and I'm hoping that Australian football, with my help, can grow. I've got the desire and determination to help the sport grow, that's a big drive for me," Del Piero said at the press conference.

"I want to play in front of full stadiums.

"It's a great honour, there is so much excitement about me coming to Australia.

"I will give everything and put everything into it I can."

As well as the likes of Liverpool, Southampton, Celtic and Sporting Braga, Sydney also beat off interest from the Middle East, US and South America.

"We touched all the continents," Del Piero said.

"This choice is far away in terms of kilometres but it's very close in terms of philosophy.

"I can't wait to go and discover a country that everyone describes to me as fantastic."

Del Piero's 19-year career with Juventus ended last season when he was not offered a new deal after they had won their first league title since 2003.

It is hoped his arrival will greatly boost interest and attendances in the A-League, with some pundits likening his arrival to that of Pele and David Beckham's stints in America's MLS.

Remarkably - and in stark contrast to many of the journeymen that have graced the A-League - Sydney will become just Del Piero's third senior club.

He began his professional career at Padova, where he played only 14 games before being signed by Juventus in 1993.

He remained with the Turin-based club until 2012, having scored 208 goals in 513 appearances, and was a member of the Italy side that beat France on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final.

While Del Piero's presence will add obvious benefits off the park, Socceroos midfielder Mark Bresciano believes his long-time rival will also have plenty to offer on the pitch.

"I think as a player, he can still perform, even at 37," Bresciano, who spent more than a decade in the Serie A, told Fox Sports.

"When he came off the bench last season for Juve, he changed games and scored goals. He's also a good man - a good pro, who will take it seriously."

"We're honoured to have Alessandro sign for Sydney FC," club chief executive Tony Pignata said, sitting next to Del Piero at the Turin press conference.

"It's a momentous occasion."

Pignata added that Del Piero will have his familiar number 10.

Sydney chairman Scott Barlow called the signing a major coup for the club and a historic day for Australian football.

"This is for all Australian football fans," Barlow added in a statement.

"Alessandro Del Piero is a global icon of the game and we are honoured he has chosen Sydney FC, ahead of many other options, as the club where he will begin the next chapter of his illustrious football career."

Tags: a-league, sport, soccer, sydney-2000, italy

First posted September 06, 2012 04:47:30

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Sydney signs Del Piero

Updated September 05, 2012 22:19:43

Sydney FC has confirmed football legend Alessandro Del Piero has signed for the club.

Del Piero, 37, was unveiled as the Sky Blues' marquee signing at a media conference in Turin on Wednesday evening (AEST). The announcement followed face-to-face negotiations in Italy with Sydney officials over the past three days.

The World Cup winner will join Sydney on a two-year deal reportedly worth $2 million and is expected to arrive in Australia in two weeks.

It is the highest-profile signing in the A-League's eight-year history.

The Sky Blues had to fend off interest from several big-name European clubs including English Premier League sides Liverpool and Southampton, Scottish champions Celtic, Sporting Braga of Portugal and Swiss side FC Sion.

While Sydney had been confident since opening negotiations last week, its hopes appeared to take a hit after a second day of talks between Sky Blues chief executive Tony Pignata and Del Piero's representatives in Turin failed to reach a resolution on Tuesday.

Sydney FC announced last week Del Piero had "agreed to finalise details on a contract" only to be forced into a U-turn after a denial by Del Piero's camp.

Del Piero's 19-year career with Juventus ended last season when he was not offered a new deal after it had won its first league title since 2003.

Del Piero began his professional career at Padova, where he played only 14 matches before being signed by Juventus in 1993.

He remained with the Turin-based club until 2012 having scored 208 goals in 513 appearances and was a member of the Italy side that beat France on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final.

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, italy, sydney-2000

First posted September 05, 2012 21:58:02

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Sydney FC arrive in Italy to seal Del Piero swoop

Updated September 04, 2012 06:00:52

Representatives from Australian club Sydney FC have arrived in Italy in a bid to sign former Italy and Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero.

Sydney announced on Friday it had signed the World Cup-winning striker, only to be forced into an embarrassing u-turn on their website after a denial by Del Piero's camp.

This time, Sydney FC's administrative delegate, Tony Pignata, is hoping to make Del Piero's signature definite.

According to ANSA news agency he arrived in Turin on Monday afternoon local time in a bid to begin talks with Stefano Del Piero, the player's brother and agent.

The 37-year-old Del Piero's 19-year career with Juve ended last season when the 'Old Lady' did not offer him a new deal after they had won their first league title since 2003.

As well as Sydney FC, Del Piero has been linked to Scottish champions Celtic, Premier League newcomer Southampton, Sporting Braga of Portugal and Swiss side FC Sion.

If Del Piero decides to stay in Europe, it could be down to the chance to play Champions League football.

Celtic have been drawn in Group G with Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow while Braga have been drawn in Group H with Manchester United, Galatasaray and CFR-Cluj of Romania.

Del Piero began his professional career at Padova, where he played only 14 games before being signed by Juventus in 1993.

He remained with the Turin-based club until 2012 having scored a total of 208 goals in 513 appearances and was a member of the Italy side that beat France on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final.

AFP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, italy

First posted September 04, 2012 05:54:30

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Sydney FC target Italian legend Del Piero

Updated August 29, 2012 10:25:29

Sydney FC has made an approach to legendary Juventus talisman Alessandro Del Piero to be the team's marquee player in the 2012-13 A-League season.

The Sky Blues have a spot available which is not subject to a salary cap after Nicky Carle moved to Baniyas in the UAE.

Del Piero, 37, ended his 19-year career with Juventus in May, departing the Turin giants as the club's record scorer with 208 Serie A goals.

Although Del Piero would be able to attract richer offers elsewhere, chief executive Tony Pignata hopes the lifestyle offered by Sydney will prove a persuading factor.

''We're going to go for it as hard as we can,'' Pignata told the Sydney Morning Herald. ''The board is 100 per cent behind this. We believe he's the perfect marquee player.

''We've already made an approach to his management team, and we're waiting to hear back. This is not a gimmick, it's deadly serious. To get a player of his stature would be huge, and we know that.

''I can't say whether we'll be able to compete with whatever other offers he may have in a financial sense, but I do know playing over the summer, in a city like Sydney, gives us a real selling point.''

Del Piero won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and ten years' later, after a largely enigmatic international career to that point, scored crucial goals in the semi-final and final penalty shoot-out as the Azzuri won the World Cup.

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, italy

First posted August 29, 2012 07:42:54

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