Against France in September, Del Piero had a poor performance as did most of the Italy players but he and Filipo Inzaghi came on for stern criticism from the notoriously brutal Italian press. He then told Donadoni that he did not wish to play as a right-sided midfielder but Donadoni who seems to come from the Arrigo Sacchi school of keeping malice and not prone to forgiveness; and has not been picked for his country ever since.
Italy are world champions and should fancy their chances but they are short in the forward positions because even though Luca Toni and Antonio Di Natale are certain starters and world class performers, there is precious few underneath as the likes of Vicenzo Iaquinta and Marco Bariello are not players that could be relied on.
Fabio Quagliarella is an excellent back up and should go to Euros but it seems that Donadoni is saying that there is only 1 spot left and it is between Del Piero and another talented player in Antonio Cassano. Why he does not take both of them and leave out a less talented player is anyone’s guess.
Del Piero has been having a brilliant season, he is Juventus’ highest ever goal scorer, made the most appearances for his club and is a very big reason why Juventus are in a remarkable 3rd position in the league not to discount his wealth of experience that none of the other Italian strikers possess.
Besides when he made last appearance for Italy, all of the Italian players had hardly played as their season had just started.
Spain too would have aspirations of winning the championship and they too might be going without their highest goal scorer and 1 of their best ever players in Raul.
Raul is having a fantastic season with 17 goals already and like Del Piero, his omission has very little to do with football but personality clash with manager Luis Aragones.
Spain can ill afford to not take Raul to the championship as part from Fernando Torres and David Villa, who are without doubt the best 2 strikers; there is no one that is anywhere as good as Raul. It just seems criminal not to take along the 2nd highest scorer in Real Madrid’s history and the most experienced player in the Spain line-up.
It would be a shame if Raul and Del Piero, 2 players that have so much in common and have offered so much in the past and would no doubt offer a lot in the future; would not be going to the biggest competition in European football.
They both have great skill and technique. In the age of players that have just pace and power, they are a refreshing change and on and off the field are perfect gentlemen. They are also hugely popular with fans and fellow players alike. Euro2008 would be so much better if they both grace the competition with their abundance of class.
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