Juventus coach Gigi del Neri defended hooking two-goal Alessandro del Piero during yesterday's 2-2 draw.

Del Piero was subbed after his second goal - which had Juve 2-0 up.

"He was tired," argued Del Neri.

"He needs to recuperate and I don't think the team lost its way without him."

 Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Juventus.