Alessandro Del Piero: 10 Wonder Goals from the Juventus and Italy Legend
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He was already a well-known and highly regarded talent before it happened, but 20 years ago today Alessandro Del Piero unleashed the volley that catapulted him into the conscience of the global audience.
Having watched as two goals from captain Gianluca Vialli pulled Juventus level with a Fiorentina side who looked to have the game won, the young star would seize his chance to shine. With time running out and the game seemingly set to end in a stalemate, Alessandro Orlando punted a long ball into the Viola box, more in hope than expectation.
Del Piero would track its flight as he ran, always fully aware of where the ball was, waiting for the moment to showcase his ability to the world. Where most might have tried to control a ball travelling such distance and dropping over his shoulder, the Bianconeri striker executed a volley that was, in one instant, both utterly simple and breathtakingly brilliant.
The two defenders in close attendance stood no chance, opposing goalkeeper Francesco Toldo even less. On the Fiorentina bench, Claudio Ranieri wore the same look of resigned dignity he has since perfected, powerless to help as a legendary career was launched with one deft swing of the boot.
From there, Del Piero became Marcello Lippi’s preferred choice in attack, prompting the club to sell Roberto Baggio to Milan and hand the No. 10 shirt to the young apprentice. Some strikes do more than win three points, and for him and Juventus, this one gave birth to a legend.
In a 19-year career with the Turin giants, Del Piero scored some truly memorable goals and—ranked in order—over the following pages are his 10 best efforts.