DPA/Rome


Juventus’ forward Alessandro Del Piero (top) and team mates celebrate winning the Italian Serie A football trophy, the Scudetto, during a ceremony after their match against Atalanta yesterday
Veteran star Alessandro Del Piero closed his last season with Serie A champions Juventus with a goal in yesterday’s 3-1 win against Atalanta.
The Bianconeri from Turin secured their 28th title last weekend and on Sunday became the first Italian team to end a season undefeated in a 20-team league format.
The young and seldom fielded midfielder Luca Marrone slammed home Juve’s opener on 10 minutes off an assist by Marco Borriello.
Early in the game, Del Piero suffered a hard blow in his knee, but found the net on 28 minutes as he started an action from the midfield and finished it off with a drive by the post to the right of Giorgio Frezzolini.
The 37-year-old ended his 704th game in 19 years at Juve on 56 minutes, with a swollen knee, but under a standing ovation from the 40,000 filling the Juventus Stadium.
Atalanta, who were safe from relegation despite a six-point deduction, pulled no punches, threatening in the first half with German Denis and with a post hit by Giacomo Bonaventura.
The visitors pulled one back through an own goal by Stephan Lichtsteiner before substitute defender Andrea Barzagli converted a late spot kick.
Celebrations in Turin were set to begin at the stadium and continue in the city centre with the team parading on a bus.
“It was an exceptional year,” club president Andrea Agnelli said ahead of a title award ceremony on the pitch. “We started it here (at the new Juventus Stadium) and we said that Juve have a great habit of winning.
“We are proud to announce that we have not lost it, because we are now Italian champions.”
Agnelli thanked his staff, and in particular Del Piero, “who was and always will be our captain.”
Former champions AC Milan also had a departing veteran on target as Filippo Inzaghi, 38, came on to complete a 2-1 from-behind win over relegated Novara. The Devils remained four points adrift of Juve.
Mid-table Fiorentina and Cagliari drew 0-0 ahead of Roma’s 3-2 win at relegated Cesena and Parma’s 1-0 edging of Bologna.
In late action, Udinese seek a point at Catania to retain third place that qualifies for the play-offs of the Champions League. Genoa look to remain in the top flight when they play Palermo.