Alessandro Del Piero returned to familiar ground at the Allianz Stadium for Juventus’ 2–1 win over Roma and used the occasion to speak about his enduring bond with the Agnelli family, owners of the club for more than a century. Amid renewed speculation over potential offers to buy Juventus, the club’s iconic former captain offered an unambiguous defence of the family’s role and legacy.
“The offer to buy the club exists because this is a glorious, fantastic team – one that I love deeply, and so do millions of fans around the world,” Del Piero said (as quoted by Calciomercato). “Behind all of this is passion – and a family that has carried on this journey for 102 years. No ownership in football has ever been as long-lasting or as passionate as the Agnellis.”
“They Were There in the Toughest Moments”
Del Piero, who wore the number 10 shirt for nearly two decades and lifted every major trophy with Juventus, spoke movingly about the club’s most painful period. “I’ve experienced many beautiful moments, but also one truly dramatic one – 2006, when we were relegated to Serie B,” he recalled. “But the ownership was there then too, and that was perhaps the most important moment of all.”
The 2006 scandal reshaped Italian football, yet Del Piero’s decision to stay symbolised loyalty at its purest. His words on Saturday echoed that same spirit — a reminder that Juventus’ strength has always been built on resilience and identity rather than fleeting success.
“We’ll Rise Again – Just Like Before”
For Del Piero, temporary crisis or criticism should not overshadow a legacy built on over a century of sporting excellence and commitment. “It’s easy to show up when you’re winning,” he continued. “The strength has always been in knowing how to rise again. We did it in 2006, and we’ll do it again now, after another wound reopened in 2022. We shouldn’t confuse sporting results, disappointments or frustrations with an extraordinary 102-year story.”
He also referenced recent public statements made by John Elkann, head of the Agnelli family’s holding company, and offered his interpretation. “The words of John Elkann, in my opinion, mean exactly that. I want to underline it — they were there in the hardest moment, and they’re here now. The team’s results depend on many factors, but this ownership has always been there. It’s an enviable story, backed by steady financial support, through investments and rebuilding. It’s a family driven entirely by passion.”
