Juventus GM Jean-Claude Blanc admits they had doubts about renewing Alessandro del Piero's contract earlier this season.

Del Piero has been in stellar form in recent weeks and Blanc said: "We renewed his contract because we believed he could still be competitive. I do not deny that there were doubts about his physical condition, as there is for any player who has exceeded thirty years of age.

"Alessandro has responded in the best way. He has repaid the trust we placed in him."