The Juventus striker was jeered off the field when Italy coach Roberto Donadoni decided to remove him late on in the goalless draw against France.

Perhaps many of the boos came from ardent AC Milan fans who, at the own San Siro, would not offer the warmest of receptions to the players of rivals Juventus even in better circumstances. But there can be no hiding that Del Piero was not at his best.

Nevertheless, Donadoni has sprung to his defence and left the door open for another chance in Kiev on Wednesday.

"He did everything he could," he said. "The whole squad gave their maximum given the condition we are in, and I am fully satisfied.

"People expect too much of him (Del Piero). He is expected to dribble round three players and score."

Meanwhile, Donadoni blamed Bayern Munich for the state of striker Luca Toni, who sat out Saturday's match and will again be a spectator on Wednesday.

Although the Bavarians did not even wish to release the frontman due to a thigh injury, Donadoni selected him and tried to get him ready for the 0-0 draw with Les Bleus.

As that was not possible, and since the injury is not clearing up, the Italy coach has pointed the finger at the Bundesliga side and claimed they did not do enough to aid his recovery.

"I am sorry that we have not been able to bring him back to fitness," said Donadoni.

"Maybe Bayern under-estimated the problem. The player himself expected to improve, but always felt a twinge when he kicked the ball and I doubt he will even be ready to play in the league (next weekend)."