Del Piero plays down Totti rift

Del Piero has had a peculiar season, showing signs of his brilliant best at stages, but also receiving abuse from his beloved Juventus fans for displays that hark back to last season - a time when he was finally dropped as the 'golden boy' of Italian football.

The forward is certain to be on the plane to the World Cup with the Italian squad - barring injury - but is less than certain to start, with Francesco Totti likely to remain in the fantasista role behind the front two.

Inevitably, with Roma captain Totti taking over the mantle of Italy's hottest property, there has been talk of rivalry between the two players - something that Del Piero is quick to play down.

"Totti is a different sort of player and personality to me," states Del Piero.

"I go for goal more than he does, but he contributes to Roma's success with all his assists.

"The great thing is that, as far as the national team is concerned, we can both fit into the same line-up.

"Certainly Totti is not my most difficult opponent. If I had to name anyone it would be defenders Fabio Cannavaro or Alessandro Nesta."