Del Piero has ‘high’ Juventus expectations, but no advice to Danilo and Yamal | OneFootball

Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero reveals his children wanted to take pictures with Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal but has no advice to give to the Spanish star or Juventus captain Danilo, who could leave Turin in January.

Del Piero is in Dubai, where he will be attending the Globe Soccer Award this evening.

He crossed paths with Barcelona and Spain star Yamal last night and spoke about his meeting with the 17-year-old on Sky Sport Italia.

“We had never met before, and it was nice to see such a young talent and get to know his family,” the ex-striker said.

“I took pictures of my children with him. There isn’t much to tell a 17 or 18-year-old lad except for ‘continue having fun and entertain us.'”

Del Piero was also short of advice for current Juventus captain Danilo who has six months left in his contract at the Allianz Stadium.

The Brazilian defender recently said he doesn’t want to leave Juventus in January, but Napoli remain interested in securing his services next month.

Del Piero has ‘high’ Juventus expectations, but no advice to Danilo and Yamal

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Danilo of Juventus runs for the ball under pressure from Magnus Kofod Andersen of Venezia during the Serie A match between Juventus and Venezia at Allianz Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I believe Danilo’s maturity will allow him to make the best decision. I have no advice,” said Del Piero.

“He has my full respect for what he’s done and how he’s done it. Whatever decision he makes, it won’t be easy, but I am sure it will be in everyone’s interest because he’s a responsible person, and everyone will respect what he decides.”

Thiago Motta’s Juventus are still unbeaten in Serie A but have collected 10 league draws and just seven victories, so they are currently outside the top four.

“Expectations are always high—history says so,” said Del Piero.

“There have been significant changes with Thiago, many new players and some of the directors. It’s never easy to consistently perform well. Of course, expectations are always high, and everyone wants to see more improvements. All these draws worried everyone a bit, but perhaps the latest victory has started a positive trend. They must show it on the pitch.”

Nico Gonzalez has recently returned to action and has played as an attacking midfielder, but who’s a better fit in that position: Nico or Kenan Yildiz?

“It’s not easy, but it also depends on the players around them; surely Nico and Yildiz have the skill sets to play there and on the flanks,” argued Del Piero.

“It’s up to the coach to make them perform well and place them in the appropriate role.”