Del Piero thrilled at World Cup chance

Alessandro Del Piero has admitted the inclusion of his name by Italian National coach Cesare Prandelli as a possible selection for next year’s World Cup is a huge honour.

Sydney FC superstar Alessandro Del Piero has admitted the inclusion of his name by Italian National coach Cesare Prandelli as a possible selection for next year-s World Cup is a huge honour.

The Italian legend believes the suggestion is a “great moment” and is a compliment to both him and the Sky Blues club.

Speaking as the Sydney FC players- embark on the journey home from their tour of Italy, the World Cup winner said: “I-m very proud about that because I try to push my best every single moment.

“It-s good for me and for my team, my Sydney FC, and we-ll see what happens.

"It doesn-t matter if I don-t go but it-s a great moment if at 38 years old, almost 39, that I-m on the list.”

Del Piero has spent the past three weeks training with the Sky Blues squad in the Italian resort of Jesolo, in preparation for the first game of the Hyundai 2013/14 A-League season at Allianz Stadium against the Newcastle Jets. (Friday 11th October - kick off 7.30pm)

“It-s been a great experience for all of us, because we-ve spent time together as a team and enjoyed every single moment training a lot,” said the Sydney number 10.

“It-s a long time together, morning, afternoon and night but it-s the best for knowing each other.

"We now have more than a month to prepare for start of the new season and adjust ahead of the first game against Newcastle in front of that big crowd.”

Sydney FC played six games during their pre-season tour in Italy, winning three and drawing one against a selection of Serie B and C teams.

The club will play four more friendlies back on Australian soil before the season starts at home on Friday 11th October.

Sydney FC Pre-Season Schedule 11 Sept Sydney FC v St George WIN Jubilee, Kogarah 7pm kick off 14 Sept Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets WIN Stadium, Wollongong 5.30pm kick off 22 Sept Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC Barlow Park, Cairns kick off time TBC 29 Sept Sydney FC v Perth Glory Venue TBC (in Sydney) 3pm kick off