All eyes are on Del Piero ahead of Kerala-Delhi tie
The Italian legend, who has misfired so far at the ISL, will turn 40 on Sunday
By : arun george
Update: 2014-11-09 00:49 GMT
Kochi: The Indian Super League has hosted a few renowned footballers so far but it is yet to witness one of the iconic goal celebrations in world football. Reason: Alessandro del Piero is yet to score for the Delhi Dynamos.The legendary striker observes the occasion by sticking his tongue out and fans of the Italian national team and Serie A heavyweights Juventus have cherished the memorable goal celebration umpteen times over the last two decades.
On Sunday, when the Dynamos play Kerala Blasters here, fans of the Delhi franchise, a good number of away supporters and the world at large would love to see del Piero score.
It is because II Pinturicchio, as he is fondly called in Italy, turns 40 on match day and it will be a historic moment not just for Delhi but the whole of ISL if he scores and more importantly make it a winner for his side.
However, that wouldn’t be easy as Delhi have suffered consecutive away defeats while Kerala Blasters, backed by massive home support, are flying high after a memorable win over FC Goa on Thursday.The home team are bolstered by the return of top scorer Iain Hume who was left out of the Goa game with injury. Having finally kept a clean sheet in six games their wobbly defence also looked fine for the first time mid-week.
Milagres Gonsalves the unlikely hero against Goa could get the nod ahead of Kerala striker C.S. Sabeeth who was off colour in front of goal. In midfield, Scot Stephen Pearson who was pivotal in the previous round and Raphael Romey will be vital.Delhi manager Harm van Veldhoven is likely to roll out a 4-3-3 hoping to curtail the marauding runs of full-backs Sandesh Jhingan and Nirmal Chettri.