Former Juventus striker Michele Paolucci believes that Bianconeri icon Alessandro Del Piero could play a similar role at the club to that of Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti.

Del Piero has been linked with a return to his former club in a directorial capacity after Juventus’ board resigned en masse last month, amidst an investigation into alleged capital gains fraud.

After spending the bulk of playing career at Inter, former defender Zanetti took on the role of vice-president at the club and in an interview with CalcioNews24 yesterday, Paolucci suggested Del Piero could follow a similar path at his old club.

“Del Piero is the figure for Juventus, a bit like Javier Zanetti is for Inter or Paolo Maldini is for AC Milan,” Paolucci claimed.

“Knowing Alessandro, he is a man who for intelligence, charisma, but also for his knowledge of the Juve world, cannot be put there as a front.

“He must also have decision-making power, otherwise, knowing him, he would never return. He will only come back for a valuable role.”

Del Piero joined Juventus from Padova in 1993 and went on to score 290 goals in 705 games in all competitions for the club, setting the Bianconeri’s record for most appearances, before moving on to Sydney FC.

The former Italy international won six Serie A titles and the Champions League with the Bianconeri, as well as helping them to win Serie B in 2007.