Del Piero breaks the silence on his first time in the Juventus dressing room | OneFootball

Alessandro Del Piero was a teenage sensation when he broke into the Juventus first team, quickly establishing himself as a key figure and leaving a lasting impact on the club. His rise during the 1990s remains a reference point for young talents at the Bianconeri, and his experience is now being compared to that of current prospect Kenan Yildiz, who has made a promising start to life at Juventus.

Del Piero on Breaking Through as a Teenager

Del Piero spent the majority of his career at Juventus before moving abroad to conclude his playing days, and he has maintained close ties with the club since his retirement. The former forward regularly comments on the team and its development, offering insight and guidance for younger players. Recently, he reflected on his own experiences as an 18-year-old entering a dressing room filled with established stars. Speaking to Il Bianconero, he said:

“It was scary, to be honest. I was 18, in a locker room full of champions, players I’d only seen on TV the night before. So I was scared, but also full of emotions, which I also wanted to hide because, you know, you want to show a lot of respect. I had great teammates, guys who looked after me, and I think I had great respect for what they had already done in football and for Juventus.”

(Photo by Brennan Asplen/Getty Images)

Guidance for the Next Generation

Del Piero’s reflections highlight the emotional and psychological challenges that young players face when entering a top-tier team. Despite the initial fear, he emphasises the importance of respect for experienced teammates and seizing the opportunity to learn from them. His words also serve as encouragement for Yildiz and others breaking into Juventus’ first team, suggesting that confidence, humility, and hard work are key components of long-term success.

Yildiz’s early performances have already drawn comparisons with Del Piero, and the veteran forward has expressed optimism about his potential to build a similar legacy at Juventus. Del Piero’s continued connection with the club allows him to witness these developments firsthand, offering a perspective grounded in experience and deep affection for the Bianconeri.