The Juventus captain is making headlines with his performances this term and hopes his fine form will not go unnoticed by national team coach Marcello Lippi.

"I would like to end my international career after the 2010 World Cup," said Del Piero.

"I cannot hide that this is one of my aims, although 2010 is still far away."

Del Piero was a member of Italy´s World Cup-winning squad two years ago but was initially discarded after the success in Berlin by then-coach Roberto Donadoni.

He forced his way back into the Azzurri squad for Euro 2008 after finishing top scorer in Serie A last season with 21 goals.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a late renaissance in his career and scored both goals in last week's 2-0 win over Real Madrid which earned Juve a place in the Champions League knockout stage.

Del Piero has notched four goals in Europe´s elite club competition this term as well as bagging three in Serie A to help Juve climb to sixth in the standings.