Del Piero, mistreated

In Australia they don't respect Pinturicchio. The Italian Alessandro del Piero, European soccer star for the past two decades, began his adventure in the Australian League today with a defeat. Del Piero, of 37 years, lost to Sydney for 2-0 against New Zealand's Phoenix Wellington in front of 12.000 spectators.

world champion in 2006, the Italian found it difficult to get used to the game system of his team. Wellington's goals were scored by Belgian Stein Huysegms and teenager Louis Fenton. Local fans dedicated mocking chants like “what a waste of money!” o “Who are you?”. The striker will receive two million Australian dollars (about two million dollars) per season with the aim of making the Australian League more attractive. A record figure that has generated doubts and debate within the Australian press. “A worn jewel of 2 millions”, headline some newspapers.

The Italian footballer played the 90 minutes of the game and had the clearest chance for his team in his boots. His team starts the League with a defeat and next weekend they will face Newcastle Jets. Del Piero played the last 19 seasons at Juventus Turin, team that played over 700 parties, frame 290 goals and won six Italian Leagues and one Champions League. An enviable track record, but that has not yet earned him the respect of Australian fans.