Bonaventura: Del Piero inspired me

Atalanta midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura has hailed the influence Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has had on his career.

The 22-year-old revealed the World Cup winner was his boyhood idol, and said he would view his career as a success if he achieved even a quarter of the striker’s achievements.

Speaking ahead of the clubs’ Serie A clash on Saturday, Bonaventura said he was looking forward to seeing his idol in the flesh.

“When I was little I liked (Del Piero) a lot,” he said. “It will be really nice to see him.”

“He is an example to follow. Even if I am able to replicate only a quarter of what he has done in his career, it’d be very fulfilling for me.”

Bonaventura said Juventus are a genuine title contender, and spoke highly of their coach Antonio Conte.

Conte, 41, endured a disappointing spell between September 2009 and January 2010 in charge of Atalanta, but Bonaventura said he learned a great deal from the coach.

“I knew immediately that (Conte) had great ideas for me and as a coach he is a gentleman,” he said.

“Even though my experience with him was brief, I learned a lot from him.”

“I really hope we can put on a good match. Juventus are a great team with some great champions, so it will not be easy.”

“They are a very tough opponent, and although I did not expect them to start so strongly, I knew they had the right qualities to fight for the title.”