He has played at seven major tournaments for Italy and won the 2006 World Cup. But, do Sydney FC need Alessandro Del Piero?
He has played at seven major tournaments for Italy and won the 2006 World Cup. But, do Sydney FC need Alessandro Del Piero?
We take a look at how the Sky Blues fare with, and without their illustrious Italian import.
In his first season, Del Piero made 24 appearances, scoring 14 goals, three of them from the penalty spot.
Season 2012/13 turned out to be one of the closest in the history of the competition and Sydney FC missed out on the finals on goal difference.
With Del Piero-s significant assistance, they scored 41 goals, twelve more than Perth Glory, who claimed sixth place. Sydney FC-s defence was the worst in the competition, conceding 51 goals. Clearly, it was this that made the difference.
So, can Sydney FC live without Alessandro Del Piero?
After nine rounds of this season-s Hyundai A-League, Sydney FC sit in fourth place. Del Piero has started five of those matches, but was withdrawn through injury in round two against Brisbane Roar and round eight against Newcastle Jets.
The Brisbane Roar match ended in a crushing 4-0 defeat for the Sky Blues, but the Newcastle match saw Sydney FC run out 2-0 winners, with both goals scored after the Italian left the pitch.
Del Piero missed round three after picking up the injury against Brisbane Roar. It was a Sydney derby at Allianz Stadium, and Sydney FC was toothless in attack, going down 2-0 to their rivals.
He also missed round nine at Bluetongue Stadium as Central Coast Mariners won 1-0.
Despite the inclusion of new signing Ranko Despotovic, the Sky Blues lacked penetration and hardly forced a save out of Liam Reddy.
Del Piero started the 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets in round one, the 3-2 epic over Melbourne Victory in round five, the 2-0 win at AAMI Park against Melbourne Heart in round six and the late, great 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix, in the midst of the Sky Blues four game winning streak.
The bottom line is this: when Del Piero starts and plays the majority of the game, Sydney FC win. Barring the Newcastle Jets game, when he doesn-t start, is subbed off early, or comes on late, Sydney FC lose.
They are yet to draw a match this season, so there is no middle ground.
Sydney FC need Alessandro Del Piero.