Sparkling Ale ... Del Piero has delivered many memorable moments. Source: AP
In 799 professional games, Alessandro Del Piero has played on some of the world's most prestigious stages. On the eve of his 800th, in Sydney FC's colours on Sunday at ANZ Stadium, Tom Smithies looks at some of the superstar's biggest moments.
Sydney v Newcastle, 2012
ADP's inaugural A-League 90 minutes had showed enough flashes of class to have spectators drooling, and so they came in their masses for the marquee star's first home game in Sydney FC colours.
It took him less than half an hour to repay every one who turned up.
He launched a trademark free kick into the top corner of the net and his Australian adventure was truly underway.
FIFA World Cup final, Italy v France, 2006
A final of incessant drama seemed to reach its zenith with the sensational expulsion of Zinedine Zidane for a headbutt on Italy's Marco Materazzi in extra time.
But the teams could not be separated at 1-1, and Italy won the consequent penalty shootout - Del Piero converting the fourth kick - to lift the World Cup and celebrate his country's fourth title.
Champions League final, Juventus v Ajax, 1996
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Del Piero played in four UEFA Champions League finals but this, his first aged just 22, was the high point.
He played the entire game as the sides fought out a 1-1 draw in the Stadio Olympico in Rome, but wasn't needed for a penalty in the shootout, as Juventus scored a perfect four to Ajax's missed two.
Coppa Italia final, Juventus v Napoli, 2012
Source: The Daily Telegraph
The day a Juventus legend finally said goodbye. Some 70,000 fans at the Stadio Olympico in Rome couldn't will a happy ending - Del Piero was substituted in the 67th minute, moments after Napoli took the lead. A second late in the game sealed their win, but the only lap of honour that counted was Del Piero's.
Champions League semi-final, Juventus v Monaco, 1998
Source: The Daily Telegraph
It was the season of Del Piero's life, and this semi-final was its pinnacle. Del Piero scored a hat-trick in the first leg as Juve won 4-1 then managed a brilliant volley in the return as Monaco sensed an almighty upset. Though Juve would lose the final to Real Madrid, Del Piero finished top scorer in the Champions League with 10.
Euro 2000 final, France v Italy, 2000
Source: The Daily Telegraph
For all the highs of his professional life, this was heartbreak for the Italian. It wasn't just the golden goal that France scored with moments of extra time left - a goal put away by David Trezeguet, one of Del Piero's closest friends at Juventus - it was the two chances that Del Piero missed before that really hurt.
Champions League semi-final, Juventus v Real Madrid, 2003
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Down 2-1 from the first leg, Juve put on one of the great European nights. This was the Madrid side of Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos and Guti, but Juve's attacking trident of Del Piero, Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved all scored. Zidane converted in reply late on but it was too little too late.
World Cup, Italy v Mexico, 2002
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Forced to watch from the bench as Italy went 1-0 down to Mexico and were facing first round elimination - Del Piero was finally thrown into the fray on 78 minutes by coach Giovanni Trapattoni. Exactly one minute later he hurled himself to head in Vincenzo Montella's cross and secure the draw that took Italy into the second round.
Serie A, Udinese v Juventus, 2002
Source: The Daily Telegraph
On the last day of the season, Juve's rivals Inter held the aces - a point ahead and knowing a win at Lazio would ensure the title. Instead Del Piero scored as Juventus went 2-0 up in their game, and Inter lost.
World Cup qualifier, Italy v Hungary, 2001
Source: The Daily Telegraph
There has to be an ADP free-kick in any such list and this one had real meaning.
In their final qualifier for the 2002 World Cup a 25m Del Piero free-kick booked Italy a direct ticket to the 2002 World Cup.
See more: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/moments-from-the-glittering-career-of-alessandro-del-piero-that-we-will-never-forget/story-fndb5nmd-1226503486695
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