Growing up as a young striker learning his trade in Europe, there was one player that left quite an impression on Foxtel All Stars attacker Besart Berisha.
The Albanian was in awe of a Juventus star by the name of Alessandro Del Piero, who was at the top of his game in the Serie A and on the international stage.
While Berisha has loved the chance to play against Del Piero in the Hyundai A-League for the last two seasons, the Foxtel All Stars clash is the first time they will play on the same team.
Del Piero, who will skipper the All Stars against his former club, joins the squad on Sunday and Berisha is one who is looking forward to getting down to work with the World Cup winner.
“Del Piero is fantastic, I like him a lot. Growing up in Europe, he was a world-class player, and for me one of the best players of all time,” Berisha told www.aleagueallstars.com.au .
“I remember when I was playing for a young team, he was one of the best strikers at the time and I would always watch him with my family.
“He’s still a great player and I’m really looking forward to work with him. It will be an amazing experience.”
One thing Berisha might try and pick Del Piero’s brain over is how to deal with Juventus’ uncompromising defenders, marshalled brilliantly by goal-keeper Gianluigi Buffon.
If anyone knows how they tick it would be Del Piero, who spent almost two decades at the Bianconeri and was team-mates with many of their squad heading Down Under.
“For me it’s a good challenge and of course Buffon is a legend goalkeeper and he’s won everything,” Berisha said.
“I was lucky to score last year against Man United and I hope I can score against Juventus too.
“It would be great to say I scored against Buffon. I never played in Europe against him, I had the chance to play against other great goal-keepers but not him so it will be special.”
Foxtel All Stars coach Josep Gombau got right down to business on Saturday, putting his side through an intense hour long session at WIN Stadium.
The squad will hit the field again on Sunday in a special open training session, where fans can come and watch the sider in action before getting an autograph or a selfie with their favourite player.
Gates open at 9.30am with the players set to hit the field from 10am.
