Del Piero weighs in: Milan can challenge Juventus, and Yildiz is ready to lead the future
4 octobre 2025
Del Piero believes Milan can challenge for the title
Alessandro Del Piero, Juventus legend, says Milan can challenge for the Serie A crown this season and notes that Kenan Yildiz is determined to become a symbol for Juventus, suggesting he needs no tips from others.
Derby context and standings
In an interview given ahead of Sundays derby at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, the two teams sit close in the standings. Milan has 12 points and Juventus 11. The Rossoneri have won five straight across all competitions, while Juve arrive on four consecutive draws.
Juventus are in the Champions League this season, while Milan is not competing in Europe.
Lineup questions and tactical notes
Del Piero discusses coach Tudor's dilemma in selecting the starting striker, alternating between Dusan Vlahovic, Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz. He notes that a lack of consistency is not ideal, but after four or five games players gain rhythm. He warns that those not starting must stay focused, because appearances from the bench can decide matches, and he hopes Tudor makes the right calls before and during the match.
Milan, Juventus, and the wider picture
Asked about Milan's title chances alongside Juventus under Massimiliano Allegri and with Adrian Rabio in the squad, Del Piero says Milan have several advantages: they play only in domestic competition this season, giving them ample weekly preparation time and fewer long journeys. He cites quality players like Rabio, Modric and Leao as part of a well-organised, deep squad.
On Yildiz and the national team
Regarding Kenan Yildiz, Del Piero says that based on what he has seen so far, the youngster does not need guidance and is committed to hard work and becoming a symbol for the club. He adds that Yildiz will face ups and downs, and will need the right people around him at the right times.
Gattuso era and national team outlook
Del Piero also speaks about Italy under Gennaro Gattuso, saying the coach is not solely responsible for results and that everyone must contribute to securing a World Cup berth. Gattuso's passion and knowledge are evident, and Del Piero supports him as a friend and former teammate, hoping he can transmit energy and ambition to the players.
He stresses that Italy's success depends on players, environment and timing, not only on coaching, and he wishes Gattuso's leadership can elevate the squad to reach the World Cup.
Legacy and optimism
Del Piero's measured voice underscores a belief that Italian clubs can regain their European competitiveness and that young players like Yildiz symbolize the sport's bright future. He calls for unity and shared responsibility across clubs and the national team during a pivotal phase for Italian football.
Punchline 1: If this derby were a joke, Del Piero would deliver the punchline—clean, precise, and always on target.
Punchline 2: And if Milan and Juve need a wake‑up call, they should just ask the fans—they're the only crowd that can turn a draw into a standing ovation for a single moment of brilliance.
