Del Piero risks missing World Cup 2006
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-12 09:19

However, Del Piero has fallen behind David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Juventus. If Antonio Cassano returns to the team before the World Cup, Del Piero could be left behind.

Cassano was not called up again after he was played sparingly at Roma because of contractual issues and other problems. The 23-year-old is, however, considered a far more potent scorer than Del Piero.

Del Piero said fans still support him but that did not help Roberto Baggio get on the team for the last World Cup. At the 1998 World Cup, Del Piero was fighting with Baggio for playing time. At last year's European Championship, he fell behind Totti.

"I don't understand why I'm always put into competition with someone," Del Piero said. "I don't like this game. It doesn't exist for the other players."