Capello explains what makes Yildiz similar to Del Piero, but warns Juventus | OneFootball

Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello sees similarities between Kenan Yildiz and Alessandro Del Piero, but warns the Bianconeri about the ‘inevitable economic pressure from England and Spain.’

Ex-Juventus coach Capello explained the similarities between Yildiz and Del Piero in his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

Del Piero is not only one of Yildiz’s idols, but the Turkish striker also recreated ADP’s iconic goal against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in a 4-4 Champions League draw at the Allianz Stadium.

Capello reveals similarities between Yildiz and Del Piero

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund battles for possession with Kenan Yildiz of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“For what he does when he plays, for the position he takes up and where he performs best. With the Turk, in some way, you can see Del Piero on the pitch again, even if, of course, we are talking about a different period and a different context,” wrote Capello, who coached Del Piero at Juventus from 2004 to 2006.

“Alex had great qualities, including dribbling ability, but for example, he didn’t have the speed that Yildiz has, with and without the ball. They have the same shooting ability, even from outside the box.”

Similarities between the pair do not only concern on-the-field abilities, according to Capello.

“Charisma is a quality they have in common,” continued the ex-coach.

“Del Piero had so much of it, he always did. Yildiz is just starting out, but he’s already showing that he has plenty as well. That’s what allows him to stand out for both club and country.

“When it comes to creativity, they’re on par, but it must be said that creativity is essential, but not enough. It must be matched with quality as well. We all know what Del Piero achieved in his career. Yildiz has only just begun.

Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero on punditry duty during EURO 2024. (Del Piero: ‘I’m really happy for you, Kenan’ – Yildiz breaks 19-year-old record)

“We shouldn’t underestimate another trait they share: they can both strike with either foot. Being two-footed, in Del Piero’s football and in today’s game, is an added value that only players with that little something extra possess.

“Del Piero also had great vision, whereas Yildiz, at the moment, seems more inclined towards dribbling and sometimes tends to play more in an individual and personalised way,” Capello continued.

“These are different times and different teams, but the ‘Juventinity’ is another of those virtues they both embody. Today’s Juve have in Yildiz a symbolic player.”

Capello warns Juventus about Yildiz’s future

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Del Piero spent almost his entire career at Juventus, becoming the player with the most goals and appearances in the club’s history.

Surely, Juventus fans hope to see Yildiz follow the same path in Turin, but Capello fears that the richest clubs in the World will soon tempt the Juventus star.

“Del Piero had already long proven his worth in black and white, to the point where, worldwide, Juventus is synonymous with Del Piero, and his connection with the fans is the perfect example of a footballer who transcends generations,” he noted.

“Let’s not forget that the young Alex had a very tough competitor to compete with, Roberto Baggio…

“Juventus should enjoy Yildiz as long as he shines in Turin, just as we will as long as he remains in our league. When the economic pressure, inevitable of course, will begin to mount even more insistently from England and Spain, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to hold on to a talent born in 2006 like him.

“Looking at the present, this could be the year of his true breakthrough, the year when it’s no longer surprising to see him play with the confidence and personality of a mature player.”