'Magic' Del Piero back to his best, says Lippi

Juventus coach Marcello Lippi said striker Alessandro Del Piero, scorer of both goals in the 2-0 Champions League win over Newcastle United on Tuesday, has finally rediscovered the form that many believed he had lost for ever.

The Italy international suffered a serious knee ligament injury in November 1998 and was out of action for over a year.

While he has played a full part for Juventus in the past two seasons he has rarely hit their heights he regularly reached before the injury.

"Del Piero is really enjoying a magic moment. He is producing some fantastic things on the pitch and he has it right both mentally and physically" said Lippi.

"He is completely back to his best form now. I think it takes longer for a great player to get back to what he is truly capable of," said Lippi.

Del Piero was part of Juve's Serie A title winning side last season striking up an impressive partnership with David Trezeguet but it was the Frenchman who was given much of the credit as he finished joint-top scorer in the league.

At the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Del Piero was left frustrated during Italy's disappointing campaign as he spent most of the time on the bench.

But his prolific start to this season, his goals helping Juventus to remain unbeaten in both Serie A and the Champions League, has returned him to the status of the undisputed fans' favourite at the Delle Alpi.

"I hope to continue this run, that is obvious," said Del Piero.

"But the important thing is to always give your all. Sometimes giving your all means you get two goals. Sometimes though it doesn't work out so nice," said the striker who has received fierce criticism during some of his goalless spells.

Del Piero said that despite the scoreline the Italians had been made to work hard against a determined Newcastle.

"It was hard work out there in the first half and also in the second half.

"They made things difficult for us because they are a good team. In the end we are very, very satisfied with that result even though we know that there is still work to be done to qualify," said the striker.

Juventus lead Group E with seven points from three games.