Del Piero steps up for Sydney

Del Piero held court several times at training on Tuesday, looking all business as he gave the benefit of his vast experience.

Sydney's senior team had a spirited match with the youth team with coach Ian Crook barking instructions as it worked to adapt to the possession game he wants.

During a break, players formed a circle in the middle of the ground with Crook talking to his team before 37-year-old Del Piero appeared to lay the law down to the side.

Sydney made a horrible start to the A-League season last Saturday when it fell 2-0 to Wellington Phoenix in what was a disjointed attacking performance when it regularly handed over possesion and struggled to get the ball to Del Piero.

It has the chance to make amends on Saturday against Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium in what will be Del Piero's first home game for the Sky Blues.

Defender Brett Emerton said Del Piero had some clear views on how Sydney could turn its form around and expressed those to the team.

"He's obviously very knowledgable and experienced player so he's given us advice and pin-pointed what he thinks we can improve on," Emerton said.

"Obviously as players we take that on board and I'm sure the coaching staff will do as well."

Del Piero, who captained Italy and led his club side Juventus for over a decade, finished the session by having some fun as a goalkeeper while team-mates blasted a few shots at him.