AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini has paid tribute to Juventus captain Alessandro del Piero ahead of this weekend's big match.

"He is a great man and a great player," Ambrosini told Tuttosport. "He has the strength, the humility and the demonstration to show his value when he has been criticised.

"He has shown ferocious willpower to confirm that he is still a true champion and I really hope to see him run out for Italy.

"Besides, he is my favourite table-tennis opponent because I always beat him!"