Juventus captain Alessandro del Piero is looking to continue his rich vein of form in tonight's clash with Genoa and lift his side level with Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table. The forward has scored four times in Juve's last three encounters, including the opener with a stunning free-kick in last weekend's 2-0 win away to Chievo. "It's always nice to score and win a game, " said Del Piero. "The most important thing is always the victory.
"I am happy with what I'm doing so far and I'm only concentrating on doing my job well." Sunday's victory, Juve's fourth in a row in Italy, moved Claudio Ranieri's side up to sixth in the standings, three points behind Inter with 11 games played. "We have to take it one match at a time," added Del Piero. "On Thursday we face another interesting clash against a team that is probably one of the most in-form in the league. Hence, we must look to continue our positive run.It would be a boost in confidence to join Inter at the top even if it's for a couple of days."
Genoa goalkeeper Rubinho is praying Del Piero will have an off-day when the two teams come face to face on Thursday. "Del Piero is not just one of the strongest players in the Italian league," said the Brazilian. "He has always been good but now he has become a charismatic leader, the true soul of Juve, capable of making the difference on the pitch. His free-kicks are unpredictable and that is why as a keeper you can never be sure what he is going to do."
* PA Sport