Roma's title hopes faded at home to Livorno, Inter plodded along towards its third consecutive Serie A title, but Juve's Alessandro Del Piero and FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka stole the headlines in Italy this weekend, scoring three goals each in impressive victories for Juventus and AC Milan, respectively.
Del Piero scored the final three goals in Juve's 4-0 thumping of Atalanta, while Kaka scored the first three (two from the penalty spot) in Milan's 5-1 win over Reggina. Del Piero moved up the Italian scoring charts to 17; Kaka moved up to 14. The win brought Juve to 67 points, five behind Roma, while Milan stayed in fifth place, four behind Fiorentina.
The hat trick was especially important for Del Piero, who is still hoping to earn a place in Roberto Donadoni's Italy team for the European Championship. After the match, Juve coach Claudio Ranieri said he was "convinced" his striker would receive a call-up. Del Piero didn't sound too sure: "I don't think so. [Donadoni and I] haven't spoken lately. The important thing is that he calls me at the right moment. Then, if it doesn't happen, life goes on the same." The last time Del Piero scored more than 17 goals for Juventus was 10 years ago, when he netted 21. "It's a great moment for me, most of all in terms of scoring,'' he said. "I'm satisfied and I thank my teammates for the assists.''
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