Juventus chief Pavel Nedved expects Alessandro del Piero to play on after he leaves the club. Del Piero, almost 37, has only played in 197 minutes of Serie A action so far this season and Nedved, a club director and a former teammate, would like to see more of him.

"I don't think that Del Piero is going through a very good moment," he said. "I know him, he's a champion and always wants to play.

"I honestly can't stand seeing a champion like him on the bench or watching the match from the stands. Champions like him need to end their careers on their feet, playing.

"I really care about him. He has done a lot for us and it's sad for me not to see him play. But he's the one that has to take the decisions.

"I have spoken to him and he wants to keep playing until he is 40…"