Del Piero denies Trap rift

The brilliant Juventus star has been ousted as fantasista by the in-form Francesco Totti, but insists he prefers playing as part of the front two anyway.

"I've never had any argument with Trapattoni," Del Piero insisted.

"He is well aware that domestically I've always played as the second striker and that I feel totally at home in that position."

With Totti likely to be the focal point of the entire Azzurri side, Del Piero will need to prove that he is clinical in front of goal.

Memories still linger from the final of Euro 2000 where the former golden boy of calcio, fed with several quality passes from Totti, was wasteful in the extreme as his side lost out to the French.

However, this season has brought something of a return to form, and if he manages to show even glimpses of his incredible ability Del Piero could well be one of the stars of the entire tournament.

An injury to Filippo Inzaghi could well have handed Del Piero the chance he needs, and the Turin-based player could now be called in to play alongside Christian Vieri up front with Totti in the free role.