Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero is relieved to have finally got off the mark this season after netting in Tuesday night’s Coppa Italia win over Roma.

The 37-year-old, who has had to make do with a substitute role most of this season under coach Antonio Conte, started against Roma and netted his side’s second goal in the 3-0 quarter-final win with a curling right-footed effort into the far top corner.

It was not only his first strike in 15 appearances but his first goal in the new Juventus stadium.

“I’ve shaken off a slight burden, be-cause both my-self and the fans had been waiting for this goal,” Del Piero told La Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday.

“It was nice to score because the goal came during a good performance, made up of plenty of movement and exchanges with team-mates.”

Juve’s all-time record goalscorer added: “I wanted to play well, get through to the next round and then score a goal.

“I’m happy, but this performance will not change much as far as I’m concerned. I’ll continue to prepare to my very best, as always, just like my team-mates.

“We’re all working towards the same objective with great commitment.”

Juve, who are unbeaten this season and lead the Serie A standings, will face either Milan or Lazio in the last four of the Coppa.