Del Piero back to lead Juve title charge

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ROME, Nov 21, 2009 (AFP) - The return of captain Alessandro Del Piero after injury will give Juventus added "presence" as they chase Inter Milan at the top of Serie A, coach Ciro Ferrara said ahead of Sunday's match against Udinese.

Del Piero, who has played just six minutes so far this season because of injuries to his back and thigh, is battling for a starting place with Sebastian Giovinco for the home game.

Ferrara is expected to keep faith with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has seen the Bianconeri hit 12 goals in their last three matches and close the gap at the top to five points.

"Having Alex available is a great boost. He gives us presence on the field as well as ability," said Ferrara.

"It's something we have missed, although the team has done well despite the injuries. He's coming back from a long lay-off so we'll have to be careful.

"He can play as the first or second striker, or if we keep the same formation, he can play on the left and cut in as he likes to do."

Del Piero's recovery has come at a convenient time for his former team-mate Ferrara.

Top scorer David Trezeguet pulled a calf muscle in training this week and is expected to be out for a month, leaving Amauri as the only other fit striker.

"It's disappointing for David but we'll just have to concentrate on tomorrow's game and not get too side-tracked by the growing injury list," added Ferrara, who is also without Vincenzo Iaquinta in attack.

"We have Del Piero and Amauri available but that doesn't mean we'll have to change the way we play."

Better news for the Turin club is the return of Mohamed Sissoko. The Mali defensive midfielder has been absent for three weeks due to a pulled hamstring.