Expectation

Italy and former Juventus soccer player Alessandro Del Piero, signs autographs after he arrived Sydney airport, Sept 16, 2012. Del Piero arrived in Sydney on Sunday to begin his two years with Sydney FC in the A-League. [Photo/Agencies]

Del Piero said he had not seen much of the A-League but was not daunted by the prospect of playing in intense heat.

"In Italy, we sometimes play in minus five, minus 10 degrees (Celsius), I know that doesn't happen, which is good for me," he said, with another laugh.

The 91-cap international also deployed humor when discussing the controversial penalty awarded for a challenge on Fabio Grasso which gave 10-man Italy victory over Australia in the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup.

"I talk to Fabio many times and he said he was really tired as it was the end of the extra time and that, or the wind, is probably why he went down," said Del Piero, who was a member of the team that went on to lift the World Cup.

"Joking aside, sometimes everything works for you and that's what happened in 2006. It was perfect for us."

Italy and former Juventus soccer player Alessandro Del Piero (C), holds an impromptu news conference after he arrived at Sydney airport, Sept 16, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Sydney FC were fifth in the A-League last season and knocked out of the post-season playoffs in the first round but will be expected to challenge for a third title this year with Del Piero on board.

"I know there's a lot of expectation and I love that," Del Piero said. "I played 19 years in Juve and in Juve you have to win every game, every year, and fortunately a lot of the time that happened.

"I have played to win all my life and I'm here to win, not pass my time. Victory is not something you achieve on paper, you have to do it and I'm here with that goal."

The eighth season of the league begins in early October with Del Piero likely to make his debut against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on Oct 6.