“I wanted Alessandro to play at the back because he was weak and I was afraid he would be injured.” Can you imagine Alex Del Piero with gloves? World champion and Juventus champion, 50 years old today, his mother Bruna Furlan told the Tribuna di Treviso. “I can say now, he is a very good son. He and his brother too.” He had never said, because ”we never exaggerated with praise, even when he won everything”. Bruna’s mother and her father Gino, who died in 2001, put the values of the forward to Alessandro, even before his talent and passion for Juventus. At 14, when he left town to go to Padua, he already had his head on his shoulders always, even hidden in his private life, he did well. I don’t like people talking about themselves so much.”
Del Piero is 50 years old, Totti wishes: “We are friends after a substitute”
09 November 2024
Attention to the diploma
His mother urged him so much to get a diploma: “If he gets hurt – I thought – what will we do?”. In short, she was the tough one in the family. “His father was always very sweet, if he had to make an observation he didn’t do it violently, aggressively. You don’t go far with bad luck.” A sense of proportion that later also characterized his son’s career. The injury, which Bruna was very afraid of, happened on November 8, 1998, a day before his 24th birthday. At graduation Friuli ruptured the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. “His career could have ended there, he took a year to recover”, said his mother, present at the stadium: “I was there, I heard him screaming and I thought I was dying”. The same tears, this time of joy, in 2012. The last game with Juventus: “I suffered a lot, but there is a new life started for him.” Now he’s a full-time dad, or almost. What “everyone should have”.
Del Piero, the desire of Juve: “It is right that someone who took part in its history should be in the club”
08 November 2024
Almost full time dad
Now “he lives in Madrid, he often returns to Turin because his son now plays in Empoli, before he was in Los Angeles. He has a lot of commitments, his kids are busy too, he takes them to school.” Waiting to return home, with Bruna who can’t wait to give him his birthday present. Clothes? No. “He buys them himself .” Instead “I will prepare a nice mess for him”. Not overeating, because “he has problems with his figure now.” Is half a dish enough?
Interview: A Conversation with Alessandro Del Piero’s Mother, Bruna Furlan
Editor (Time.news): Good morning, Bruna! Thank you for joining us today to celebrate Alessandro’s 50th birthday. It’s a remarkable milestone for such a legendary footballer. How does it feel to reflect on your son’s illustrious career?
Bruna Furlan: Good morning! It feels wonderful, of course. I’m incredibly proud of Alessandro, not just for what he achieved in football but for the person he has become. He always had a sense of responsibility and maturity, even as a young boy.
Editor: You mentioned in a recent interview that you were concerned about him getting injured during his early years. Can you share more about that?
Bruna: Yes, as a mother, I always worried about his safety on the field. I once joked with his coaches that I was afraid he would be injured, which is why I suggested he try playing in the back! He had such talent, but as a parent, your first instinct is to protect your child.
Editor: It’s clear you and your husband instilled strong values in Alessandro. How did your upbringing influence his character?
Bruna: We always emphasized humility and hard work. My husband Gino was the sweet one, and I was the one pushing for discipline—for example, I insisted he finish school and earn his diploma. I often thought, “If he gets hurt, what will he do then?” Education was very important to us.
Editor: That’s such an important perspective! It sounds like you balanced support with realism. How did you and Gino celebrate his successes in a way that didn’t overpower him?
Bruna: We believed in praise but also in constructing a solid foundation. We never exaggerated our compliments. Even when he won everything, we made sure he stayed grounded. He knew that our love was unconditional, irrespective of his achievements.
Editor: Looking back, do you have any favorite memories from his childhood that stand out?
Bruna: Oh, many! I remember him practicing outside, pretending to score goals, often getting lost in his own world. He was a thoughtful child—never one to seek the spotlight. That modesty carries on in him today; he keeps his private life very private, which is something I respect deeply.
Editor: Speaking of modesty, Alessandro has always shown respect towards other players, including his longtime friend Francesco Totti. How do you think their friendship has remained strong over the years?
Bruna: They’ve shared many experiences, both in and outside of football. Their mutual respect and understanding go beyond the game. Friendship is about support and loyalty, and they’ve had plenty of both throughout their careers.
Editor: what are your hopes for Alessandro as he enters this new decade of his life?
Bruna: I hope he continues to inspire others, just as he has inspired so many with his talent and perseverance. Age is just a number; what matters is the impact he leaves behind—both on the pitch and in his community.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights with us, Bruna. It’s been a pleasure hearing about the values that shaped Alessandro into the remarkable player and person he is today.
Bruna: Thank you! It was my pleasure, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our story.