Alessandro Del Piero says Thiago Motta taking the Azzurri's #10 is 'not a problem', whilst discussing the Juventus block.

Coach Antonio Conte's decisions ahead of Euro 2016 stirred some controversy, though none half as much as that of giving the 'fantasista' number to a defensive midfielder.

Alessandro Del Piero says Thiago Motta taking the Azzurri's #10 is 'not a problem', whilst discussing the Juventus block.

Coach Antonio Conte's decisions ahead of Euro 2016 stirred some controversy, though none half as much as that of giving the 'fantasista' number to a defensive midfielder.

“When I wore the Azzurri colours, I experienced moments in which the shirt numbers were assigned alphabetically or according to the roles,” Del Piero told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “In England I was #14 and [Demetrio] Albertini #10, and I played among the midfielders because that's how [Arrigo] Sacchi viewed me.

“Sometimes we just agreed on it together. We never had arguments, and when I played with [Francesco] Totti we alternated each other with the #10.

“The choice has to be experienced by the group with serenity. The #10 to Motta doesn't cause me problems.

“As for the criticisms, every time that we had bad games beforehand, we went on and enjoyed a great tournament.

“Considering what Conte is like, they must be working extremely hard. It's going to be a Euro tournament with a global dimension. I've read many positive statements [by the players] and this is a good thing.”

Del Piero was then asked about some of his former teammates from Juventus, such as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

“After many years of training they became strong. They're players of great quality. Gigi and Andrea won a World Cup with me.

“Giorgio is an exemplary professional and Bonucci a quality lad who has drive and determination. I'm not surprised to see that they're still there.”

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