Watch: Ten years ago today, Alessandro Del Piero produced a moment of magic to take Juventus past Shamrock Rovers

Ten years ago today, Alessandro Del Piero produced a moment of sublime skill to deny Shamrock Rovers a potential famous result against Juventus in Modena.

The Hoops trailed 2-0 from the first leg of their Europa League qualifier after Amauri had netted twice for the Old Lady in Tallaght.

So, after the second leg was shifted from Turin to Modena due to a U2 concert, Rovers fans arrived in Italy with little expectation but no small amount of hope.

A deluge of rain on the day threatened to see the game called off but, in spite of a waterlogged pitch, the match went ahead.

While Rovers had given a good account of themselves at home, the conditions were even more of a leveller and Rovers looked set to take at least a draw.

That was until Murray was harshly adjudged to have fouled Amauri some 30-35 yards from goal.

There looked to be little on as the World Cup winner, on as a half-time substitute, addressed the ball.

Never to be underestimated is Pinturicchio, however, who sent an unstoppable shot arrowing into the top corner past a helpless Alan Mannus.

As Hoops defender Pat Flynn, who was marking Giorgi Chiellini at the time, remarked on social media today:



10 years on and my biggest regret in football is not celebrating with him.

    About Dave Donnelly

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