Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is happy with the way he has managed Alessandro del Piero since their return to Serie A.

"His form is not just extraordinary now, he has been at this level for the past three years, starting from the time in Serie B," assured Ranieri.

"There was criticism last season on the fact I often substituted him, but looking at the statistics I noticed Del Piero played more than anyone in the long run.

"This is a splendid period in his life and career. He scores goals and works for the team, so we all owe him a huge debt of thanks."