[Jager]

Juventus patron Lapo Elkann has again publicly humiliated Alessandro Del Piero, dubbing the captain “an expensive luxury for the team.”

Elkann, the heir to the Agnelli throne, has already run up column inches in the Italian Press with his comments on Del Piero and Bianconeri target Antonio Cassano, but this latest tirade is possibly his worst yet.


“Del Piero costs too much for what he brings to the table,” Elkann was quoted as saying in ‘Il Giornale’. “He is a luxury that we cannot afford any longer.”


The Italian international earns approximately £3m per season and his contract expires in 2008, but the fact that Fabio Capello has left him on the bench for most of his time in charge suggests that he’ll be parting company with the club sooner rather than later.


Elkann is not the only FIAT owner to make such statements, as last week Luca Cordero di Montezemolo pointed out, “I’d prefer Cassano to Del Piero as a testimonial for the new Punto, as he is more likeable.”


This will only add to reports that Del Piero will leave Juve as early as January, with offers from Japan, Arsenal, Manchester City or even Milan.


Emerson has rushed to the defence of his teammate in today’s Press Conference. “I saw Del Piero training well and he has recovered from his injury. He’s important to all of us.”


Meanwhile, there has been a vote of confidence for Manuele Blasi, who has extended his Juve contract by one year. The midfielder, who played as a right-back in the Champions League this week, is tied to the club until June 30 2009.

Hmm, Japan? I don't think so.

Not really sure where he would end up....