It’s difficult for the average Australian to comprehend the level of adulation Alessandro Del Piero receives, both here and abroad. Bewildered at the hordes of people camped out at Sydney airport for his arrival last September, and the grown men crying in Adelaide when news broke that the star wouldn’t be travelling with Sydney FC to South Australia, former AFL player and coach Graham Cornes regarded the reaction as “ridiculous and embarrassing”. Who knows what he would’ve thought had he been holidaying in Jesolo when Del Piero was in town? Italians are passionate people, and they express their emotions. They hug, kiss, laugh and curse in equal measure. It’s the Italian way.

“I feel proud about everything that happened [in Jesolo],” says Del Piero. “Not only was that evening special, but all the period in Jesolo was fantastic. You know what it means for soccer in Italy. When you are born in Italy, first of all they give you a name, the second one they give to you is a team. It’s like tradition. That’s why football is so important everywhere: at work, at night with your friends and sometimes with your girlfriend. We had a couple here today who met [at the football] and have followed me [throughout my career] and now they’re married. It’s unbelievable what happens inside the football situation in Italy.”

In case you’re not all up on why this legend is a legend, watch this video compilation by Krissdu of Del Piero's skills, then race to your nearest newsstand and grab a copy of November’s Inside Sport for John Iannantuono’s fantastic feature story.