Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo reaction to UEFA XI

Jan 18, 2013

Hear the reaction of Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo after he was named in UEFA’s Team of the Year.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo expected glory at Juventus

Jan 28, 2013

Andrea Pirlo says he was convinced that he could pick up more honours after leaving Milan for Juventus in 2011.

The 33-year-old signed for the Old Lady on a free transfer when his contract at San Siro expired and immediately inspired them to Scudetto glory.

“I was looking for new emotions,” Pirlo stated as he was named as the 2012 Player of the Year at the Gran Gala del Calcio on Sunday. “I found them at Juventus.

“I was convinced of Juventus when I joined them and I’m still convinced of the club today,” continued the playmaker.

“The most important thing for us now is to win the Scudetto again and to obviously be competitive in Europe.”

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Pirlo’s Juve ready for Celtic

Feb 6, 2013

Celtic Park will hold no fear for Andrea Pirlo or his Juventus teammates when the Champions League resumes this month.

Juve will travel to Glasgow in the first leg of their last 16 tie and the Italian international is in confident mood.

“I'm sure the noise from the Celtic fans will be crazy, but that will only make us more determined to go into battle,” the playmaker noted.

“We have players who have won the World Cup and Champions League, so we are used to intimidating games.

“I know that Celtic Park will be like a gladiator arena, but we're ready. We are prepared for whatever Celtic have to offer.”

The Scottish giants did catch the eye earlier in the competition when they defeated Spanish outfit Barcelona.

“We saw that they beat Barca in Glasgow, but we are prepared to adapt maybe more than Barcelona did,” the former Milan man added.

“We know Barcelona play fantastic football, but Celtic frustrated them. Whatever way Celtic want to play, we are ready for them.

“If they want to play football, we'll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Celtic atmosphere won’t intimidate Juventus

The playmaker says that the noise created by the Hoops faithful will only

serve to make his side stronger when they meet in the Champions League.

Feb 6, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has said that Juventus will have no fear when they visit Celtic next week.

Antonio Conte’s side face Neil Lennon’s Scottish outfit in the first leg of their Champions League tie at Celtic Park, but the Italian midfielder believes the ground's famous atmosphere will not intimidate Juve’s experienced players.

“I'm sure the noise from the Celtic fans will be crazy, but that will only make us more determined to go into battle,” Pirlo told Skysports.com.

“I know that Celtic Park will be like a gladiator arena, but we're ready. We are prepared for whatever Celtic have to offer. We have players who have won the World Cup and Champions League, so we are used to intimidating games.”

The 33-year-old did however refer to the Hoops’ victory over Barcelona in November, but feels that result will make his side approach the game in the correct manner.

He added: “We saw that they beat Barca in Glasgow, but we are prepared to adapt maybe more than Barcelona did. We know Barcelona play fantastic football, but Celtic frustrated them. Whatever way Celtic want to play, we are ready for them.

“If they want to play football, we'll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle.”

The first leg of the tie will be played on Tuesday, February 12, with the return leg on Wednesday, March 6.

[Socrates 8524]

Winning the Champions League would be Juventus' dream, insists Pirlo

The Italy veteran says that securing European silverware this term would be a delight

for the Bianconeri, and he also wished his ex-club Milan the best against the Blaugrana.

Feb 18, 2013

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has said that winning the Champions League this season would be a dream for his club, but admitted that winning Serie A is still key to their season.

The Italian league's champions beat Celtic 3-0 on February 12 in the first leg of their Champions League tie, with the second leg of the encounter to be played on March 6.

"Our goal this season is to win the League again," the 33-year-old told Rai Sport.

"But the Champions League is also a dream.

"Every game further into the competition is a step closer," he added.

The Italian star then took the time to wish his former club AC Milan luck for their Champions League tie with Barcelona on Wednesday.

"It is going to be a great game, that's for sure.

"I hope the Rossoneri can do well."

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Milan chief regrets Pirlo exit

Feb 19, 2013

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi admits the club should not have let go of Andrea Pirlo

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Berlusconi reveals Verratti interest

The AC Milan president claims he wanted Andrea Pirlo, to whom the Paris Saint-Germain

starlet has been compared with, to remain at San Siro but was powerless to stop him leaving.

Feb 20, 2013

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has expressed interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain starlet Marco Verratti.

The midfielder most recently hit the headlines by equalising in stoppage time during Italy’s 1-1 friendly draw with Netherlands, and has played regularly under Carlo Ancelotti in Ligue 1 this season.

"Verratti is a player that Milan are considering to buy,” Berlusconi told Sportsmediaset. “We need to see if the financial aspects of any deal are good enough for us to acquire him."

Verratti has been compared to Azzurri icon Andrea Pirlo due to his fine performances in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt this term, and Berlusconi lamented the loss of the talismanic midfielder who left San Siro for Juventus on a Bosman transfer in 2011.

He said: "The Pirlo transfer was done behind my back. We brought in Montolivo to replace the saddening departure of Pirlo.

“I did not want to sell him. I have put it behind me, but I wanted to be informed and I wanted to talk to him, but I have put it behind me."

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Pirlo: Juventus not ready to win Champions League

The midfielder has cooled suggestions that the Bianconeri could triumph

in Europe this season, despite being on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals.

Feb 27, 2013

Andrea Pirlo believes that Juventus are not yet ready to win the Champions League this term as he feels other teams have more quality than the Serie A champions.

Juve impressed in the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Celtic as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 away win, yet Pirlo has insisted that they cannot be seen as favourites to win the competition.

"The Champions League? I don't think that we are ready to win it yet. Even though we're there now and will do our utmost. There are stronger teams than Juventus still in the competition," Pirlo told La Repubblica.

The midfielder then went on to praise Antonio Conte, and hopes that the successful coach will stay at Juventus Stadium.

"Conte is a great coach, but he will have to learn the language first if he moves abroad because communication is very important for him.

"I believe that Juventus is the best place for him, but he could work anywhere."

Pirlo also had his say on the Scudetto race, and insisted that the match against Napoli at the weekend will not be decisive.

"It will definitely be a very important match, but it will not be decisive. We are all calm and relaxed ahead of the match."

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Italy-Brazil not a friendly

Mar 18, 2013

Andrea Pirlo insists there is no such thing as a friendly in international football ahead of the Italy-Brazil tie.

The two giants of the world game will meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday and the Juventus playmaker is hopeful his side will prove their worth – especially while exhibiting their new shirt.

“We want to wear this jersey in the best way possible,” the midfielder stated on Monday afternoon at Coverciano.

“And it is always a pleasure to take part in games like this one coming up,” continued the former Milan man.

“There are no such things as friendly matches in football, especially when Italy are involved and especially when the opponents are Brazil…”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Brazil match will be no friendly

The Azzurri midfielder believes that in football it is misleading to refer to any match

with such a term, while Alessio Cerci hopes to make an impact on his first call-up.

Mar 18, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has dismissed the ‘friendly’ tag being given to Italy’s match with Brazil on Thursday.

The two international giants face off in Geneva in Switzerland and the Juventus midfield icon believes the Azzurri will give their all against the World Cup 2014 hosts.

"We want to wear this jersey in the best way possible," the midfielder told reporters on Monday.

"And it is always a pleasure to take part in games like this one coming up,” continued the former Milan man.

"There are no such things as friendly matches in football, especially when Italy are involved and especially when the opponents are Brazil."

Torino winger Alessio Cerci has been given his first international call-up by head coach Cesare Prandelli, and he has revealed his joy at the honour of being picked and hopes he can show the talent that has been bubbling under the surface for Italy.

"It seems almost impossible to be picked, but I am very happy, and I am enjoying the moment," he said.

"I've always had the label of being 'promising’ but then for various reasons I have not exploded. I have not shown my true value.

"At this time I found a really important as Torino have allowed me to be here and I am looking to the future."

Meanwhile Gianluigi Buffon has accepted that the Azzurri have been lacking in recent clashes with the South American side and believes the friendly will be a tough examination of the Euro 2012 finalists’ progress.

"We have played against Brazil a few times in recent years and, on those occasions, we have fared badly," the veteran goalkeeper explained.

"It is an important test for us because in the end it will give meaningful answers for those that will be part of our future selections and hold our beliefs."

Reports from numerous sources including Repubblica are indicating that Giorgio Chiellini will miss the Selecao clash due to an ankle issue, but will be assessed over the next 48 hours.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo on Brazil and Totti

Mar 20, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has labelled the Brazil friendly as fundamental and welcomed Francesco Totti’s proposed return to the Italy side.

“Games against Brazil are never normal,” the Juventus playmaker noted. “It could be fundamental for our growth as a team.

“It may tell us a lot about what we can achieve in the Confederations Cup this summer and the World Cup in 2014.

“Italy often don’t play great in friendlies, but we’ll look to do well, to give our best, also for our supporters.

“This Italy team is getting better and we are one of the top 10 sides in the world.”

Pirlo was inevitably asked about the possible return of 2006 teammate Totti for the World Cup Finals next summer.

“The doors to the national side are always open for champions such as him,” the former Milan man commented.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Ibrahimovic is fantastic

Apr 5, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has claimed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 'a great player' following rumours that the Swedish forward could make a return to Turin.

Rumours have circulated recently insisting that Antonio Conte's side could make a move back to the Bianconeri, seven years after the 31-year-old left for Inter.

And the Italy international has admitted that any team would improve with a striker such as the Paris Saint-Germain goalscorer.

“PSG are a great team,” he told Tuttosport. “And Ibrahimovic is a great player.

“He's fantastic.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Verratti has quality

Apr 8, 2013

Andrea Pirlo is a fan of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti – the player widely considered as the Juventus playmaker’s heir.

Verratti is an international teammate of Pirlo and the latter has explained why the 20-year-old is destined for an important career.

“He is aware of his potential,” Pirlo told Canal +. “If he has no concerns about holding on to the ball in front of his own goal then it means that he has great quality.

“He’s certainly a youngster, so he can improve and he’ll look to eliminate the weaknesses in his game with his Coach.”

Juve did try to sign Verratti in the summer from Pescara, but they refused to meet the club’s €12m asking price. He subsequently moved to Ligue 1.

Another peninsula based player who left for the French capital was Thiago Silva, a former teammate of Pirlo at Milan.

“He’s the best defender in the world,” the Italian added. “I think he’s one of the strongest, he doesn’t struggle and he reads the game with great ease.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: 'Milan, Juve and Conte'

Apr 20, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has written an autobiography, which covers his Milan leaving gift, how he nearly returned to Inter and dodging bottles thrown by ‘viper’ Antonio Conte.

The midfielder is set to publish his book, titled ‘I think, therefore I play,’ and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport published some extracts today.

Pirlo reveals he was less than impressed with his parting gift from Milan – a Cartier pen with the club symbol on it.

“A lovely pen, but still a pen. Filled with banal blue ink. Adriano Galliani told me ‘Make sure you don’t use that to sign a new contract with Juventus.’ At least he got the joke right.

“As a goodbye gift I expected something more than that perfect comic timing. My 10 years of Milan, gone like that. I smiled anyway.

“It was a mutual decision to leave, as I did not want to risk suffering from boredom. That is why I was disappointed at the end of that final meeting, but only to the right degree. So was Galliani.”

Pirlo also wrote about the fact Massimiliano Allegri wanted to move him to the left side of midfield rather than in front of the defence.

“I still thought I could give my best there. A fish breathes when it is in deep water. It makes do when near the surface, but it’s not the same thing.

“We never discussed money that afternoon in the spring of 2011. Never. In those 30 minutes, we didn’t broach the subject of economics with Galliani. I just wanted to be considered important, at the centre of a project and not a player heading for the scrap yard.”

He had joined Inter as an Under-21 international, but reveals then-Coach Leonardo tried to bring him back there when his contract expired with Milan in 2011.

“He told me great things about Inter, how happy and fired up he was. It could’ve been a great challenge to go back where I had already been, to cross the city after 10 consecutive years at Milan, nine of which had been extraordinary.

“Leonardo could’ve helped me with that, if he hadn’t gone to Paris Saint-Germain a few weeks later. I couldn’t do it, though. It would’ve been really too much and the Milan fans did not deserve an affront like that.”

Pirlo also considered an offer from Roma, but was “suspicious” when the new American owners wouldn’t go into detail about the kind of team they were building.

“I have dealt with many Coaches in my career, but Conte is the one who surprised me the most. He needed just one speech, with many simple words, to conquer both me and Juventus. We arrived together on the Planet Juventus.

“He presented himself to us on the first day of pre-season training in the gym at Bardonecchia. He already had fire running through his veins and moved like a viper. ‘This squad, dear lads, is coming off two consecutive seventh-place finishes. It’s crazy. Shocking. I am not here for this, so it’s time to stop being crap.’

“If Arrigo Sacchi was a genius, then what is he? I expected him to be great, but not that great. I thought of a Coach with a lot of grit and charisma, but instead I discovered he has much to teach his colleagues in terms of tactics and technique.

“Going back, there is one thing I wouldn’t do again – choose the locker right next to Gigi Buffon at the Juventus Stadium, the one in front of the door,” wrote Pirlo.

“It is the most dangerous spot in Turin, especially at half-time. Conte storms in and – even when we are winning – throws anything he can get his hands on towards the wall, which is my spot. He’ll throw anything he can find, almost always plastic bottles full of water. Very fizzy water.

“He becomes a beast and is never happy, as there is always some detail that isn’t perfect and he can see in advance what could happen over the next 45 minutes.

“One time we were losing to Milan and he couldn’t get over it. ‘Against them! I can’t understand how we can’t be beating them! They even play badly.’”

It remains to be seen what Conte will be saying at half-time on Sunday evening when Juventus welcome Milan to Turin.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo agreed Chelsea switch, but…

30 April, 2013

Andrea Pirlo says he was close to joining Chelsea in the past, but the move was blocked by Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi.

The 33-year-old, now at Juventus, made the revelation in an interview with Sky Sport Italia where he also spoke of interest from Real Madrid.

“I think that I was close to a move to Chelsea and Real,” he noted. “I had already agreed terms with the London club, but then Berlusconi intervened and I remained at Milan.”

The playmaker spent a decade with the Diavolo until he joined Juve in 2011 on a free transfer once his contract had expired.

“I have no kind of regrets about leaving Milan,” he continued. “I needed a change and the best thing was to go and play somewhere else.

“It was also a good decision by the Rossoneri too seeing as they got other players in my role. I’m happy that I accepted a Juve move.”

Pirlo is coming towards the end of his career, but he has admitted that he could choose to remain in the game thanks to boss Antonio Conte.

“He’s surprised me on a tactical level and the way he works on a daily basis, I’ve learned a lot from him.

“I previously didn’t want to become a Coach, but I could decide to now because of what he has taught me.”

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Pirlo: 2014 World Cup my last tournament with Italy

The experienced midfielder has announced that he will retire from international
football next year and feels Juventus deserve to win the Serie A title.

May 3, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has revealed that the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be his last big tournament with Italy's national team before he makes way for younger players.

The Juventus midfielder has made nearly 100 official appearances for the Azzurri since making his senior debut in 2002 and was part of the team that won the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"I think Brazil 2014 will be my last tournament with Italy, then it will be time for me to step aside and let some of the youngsters take over," Pirlo told reporters.

"The national side have given me a lot. I was lucky enough to win the World Cup and when that happens you find everyone adores you, even fans of other teams."

The 33-year-old then went on to discuss the race for the Serie A title and insisted that Juventus fully deserve to win the Scudetto.

"We've been the most consistent team. Last year the title was unthinkable at the start of the season and what we did was an extraordinary achievement," he continued.

"This year we set out with the aim of repeating that success and we've shown that we're a notch above the rest. We'll wait until we've got this last point sewn up, hopefully this Sunday, but we deserve to win the Scudetto again."

Juventus will be crowned Italian champions at the weekend if they get at least a draw against Palermo on Sunday.

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Conte will stay, predicts Pirlo

May 10, 2013

Andrea Pirlo expects to still be trained by Antonio Conte at Juventus during the 2013-14 campaign.

Conte has refused to totally commit his future to the Turin giants until he has sat down with club officials to discuss their plans for next season and beyond.

However, the veteran playmaker is convinced that there is no reason for the former midfielder to leave the Old Lady.

“Scared of losing Conte? I think it’s a surreal situation,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. “We’ll certainly see him in the summer.”

Conte has been a massive success since his arrival two years ago when he was appointed on the back of two seventh-place finishes in Serie A for the Bianconeri.

“The first Scudetto was unexpected, but both were beautiful,” the former Inter and Milan man commented.

“A Scudetto symbol? Arturo Vidal has been fundamental here for two years, but I think the squad was the most important factor.

“All of the players deserve recognition.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo on CL, Conte and his future

May 17, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has insisted that Juventus have to 'think big' if they want to win the Champions League next season.

The Bianconeri were knocked out at the quarter-final stage this term, losing over two legs to Bayern Munich.

But the midfielder has claimed that a European challenge is not impossible, whilst also commenting on his, and Antonio Conte's, future.

“This year we saw the gap that measures between us and the other great teams in Europe,” he told Corriere dello Sport.

“But we came up against a very strong Bayern side who have got to the final sweeping past Barcelona.

“We need to grow and improve – but we will do that.

“To win the Champions League is tough, but we have to think big.

“Never say never. When I get older I might make a choice like Del Piero did.

“In the past I have been on the verge of transfers abroad and I always thought it would be a positive experience.

“Personally, I never had any doubt about Conte's future here. He will be the Coach of Juve for many years.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Verratti the future

May 17, 2013

Andrea Pirlo believes that Paris Saint-Germain youngster Marco Verratti is the future of the Italian National Team.

The 20-year-old midfielder joined the French champions from Pescara at the start of the season, and has gone on to star in their League-winning campaign.

And the veteran Juve playmaker has insisted that his international teammate has real quality, whilst also commenting on his future.

“There have been stories running over the past few days about my future, but I am happy here,” he told Radio Capital.

“We have come from two League titles and that makes me happy.

“I want to continue winning with Juventus.

“I really like Verratti. I think he is the future of the National Team.

“I really like the way he plays.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo rejuvenated by Old Lady

Jun 14, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has predicted more success for Italian giants Juventus after two consecutive Scudetto titles.

“Joining Juventus was the right thing for everyone involved,” the 34-year-old told the Corriere de Bahia while in Brazil with the national side.

“I feel rejuvenated in Bianconero. I’m part of a great squad of players that has won and will continue to win.

“Without that move then I may not have even been here with the national side.”

The playmaker joined the Old Lady on a free transfer in 2011 after Milan opted against renewing his contract at San Siro.

Turning to the Confederations Cup, which will start on Sunday for Italy against Mexico, Pirlo was looking forward to the event.

“We deserve to be here, we are four-time world champions,” he said of the Euro 2012 runners-up. “It’ll be a great feeling to play at the Maracana and we want to impress.

“And then I want to come back here next year for my third and final World Cup tournament.”

Pirlo could win his 100th cap for his country this weekend. Only Dino Zoff, Paolo Maldini, Gigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro have reached three figures for the Azzurri.

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Mexico wary of Pirlo threat

The 34-year-old is set to win his 100th international cap
and el Tri's boss is wary of his enduring quality.

Jun 16, 2013

Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre believes Italy’s Andrea Pirlo is the player his side must stop if they are to emerge victorious on Sunday.

The two sides go head-to-head in their opening Confederations Cup encounter, wiith the 34-year-old Italian set to win his 100th international cap - and el Tri's boss has highlighted the playmaker's threat.

“Pirlo makes his team-mates play,” said De la Torre in a press conference Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. “(He) is an important piece, like (Mario) Balotelli, but they need the others for it to work. We need to concentrate on their movements to be able to break plays up.”

De la Torre added that Italy have become a more attacking side in recent times and feels that could work to Mexico’s benefit, although the former Chivas coach also highlighted the qualities of the Azzurri.

“Sometimes they give you a few more spaces, but that will also depend on us, on how we move, how we contain the opposition and break forward,” he stated.

The Mexico coach is looking to put his side's disappointing CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign to one side and is adamant his goal is to win the Confederations Cup, even though el Tri have recorded just one win in nine games during 2013.

“We’ve come to enjoy it and with the firm intention of winning. It won’t be easy, but that is our intention in every tournament.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo's brilliance in this era is like
Roger Federer beating Rafa Nadal with a wooden racquet

The almost-mythical midfielder will win his 100th Italy cap in the Confederations Cup
opener against Mexico and fans must cherish the final days of the 34-year-old's career.

Jun 16, 2013

COMMENT
By Carlo Garganese

Tennis icon Roger Federer salutes the Centre Court crowd as he finally ends his Grand Slam final hoodoo against Rafa Nadal to win the Wimbledon Championships for an eighth time.

Not only does the elegant and graceful Federer overcome the faster, stronger and graphite-armed Nadal – biceps and thighs the size of the Swiss' trophy cabinet - he does so with a wooden racquet he borrowed from 1970s Wimbledon legend Bjorn Borg. It is a miraculous achievement that completely defies all technological and physical progress made in sport over the last 30 years.

This fictional story is not too far-removed from what footballing legend Andrea Pirlo has been accomplishing in reality over the course of his incomparable football career. Given the tools and attributes at his disposal, and considering today's trans-human environment, the Juventus veteran – who is set to earn his 100th Italy cap on Sunday in the Confederations Cup opener against Mexico in Rio de Janeiro – should not be excelling in this era.

An era where, in almost all cases, a technical player cannot succeed at the very highest level unless supplemented by athletic qualities such as stamina, strength, pace and pressing.

Pirlo possesses none of these characteristics. He doesn't boast the gym-toned body and six-pack of a Cristiano Ronaldo, the bull-like brawn of a Didier Drogba, the searing speed of a peak Thierry Henry or the closing down of a Barcelona or Bayern Munich midfielder. He can't tackle or head the ball, is easily brushed aside in shoulder-to-shoulder situations, and exhibits a work-rate that often puts Dimitar Berbatov to shame.

Yet despite all this Pirlo will go down, together with Spain's Xavi, as the best midfielder of his generation. Arguably the greatest centrocampista Italy has ever produced, a legend of the game. That he has achieved such a status when the climate and conditions are so designed against him is truly remarkable.

Pirlo's laid-back style is a throwback to some of the elegant, rhythm-setters from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The names of Giancarlo Antognoni, Gunter Netzer, Socrates and Glenn Hoddle spring to mind – not necessarily positionally but in how they represent a brand of technician who cannot exist in today's gladiatorial arena.

The Argentine artist Juan Roman Riquelme, who, as early as 2002, was labelled "too slow for the modern game" by Marcelo Bielsa when being dropped from his country's World Cup squad, is often described as the last classic playmaker – an athletically-limited foot-on-the-ball individual who demands an entire team be built around him.

Pirlo, a year younger than Riquelme, is surely the last of this dying breed. His ability to dictate and influence proceedings through his intelligence, vision, passing and through balls are traits that the robotic masses just can't interpret. The way he creates space, the drop of the shoulder, the feints before crossing that defenders know are coming but are powerless to prevent, the trademark free-kicks – we must cherish these moves as Pirlo approaches the home straight of his playing days.

The 34-year-old has already announced that he will retire from international football after next year's World Cup and, although 2012 was arguably the best individual year of his career, purists must start preparing themselves for life after Pirlo.

Life will never be the same. Although there will always be intelligent, deep-lying midfielders to carry on the creative baton – Marco Verratti and Thiago Alcantara just two examples from the current European Under-21 Championship in Israel who are destined for great things – there will never be another Pirlo.

Changes in the game – both artificial and evolutionary – and advances in training and medicine have pushed geniuses of Pirlo's ilk out of football. Somehow, miraculously, the ex-Milan hero overcame the new order. He took his proverbial wooden racquet and defeated the graphite-armed generation.

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Pirlo: I dreamt of celebrating 100 caps at Maracana as a child

The Italy midfielder will become a centurion at the prestigious Brazilian arena,
and he is relishing the opportunity to celebrate his landmark in Rio de Janeiro.

Jun 16, 2013

Andrea Pirlo says he will be realising a "childhood dream" when he takes to the pitch at Maracana for his 100th international cap in Italy's Confederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday.

The Juventus midfielder is set to become only the fifth centurion in Azzurri history at the newly-renovated Brazilian stadium this weekend, joining the likes of fellow World Cup 2006 winners Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon in the exclusive club.

"To get onto the Maracana pitch is the dream of every child. I will have the chance to play my 100th game with Italy here. I'm so happy," he beamed the at a press conference.

Meanwhile, up to six Juve players will make up Italy's starting XI in Rio de Janeiro against the Tricolor - a feat which has been met with some scepticism - yet coach Cesare Prandelli could only see the positives in having so many Bianconeri-based personnel in his squad.

"A coach is fortunate to have so many players [from one club] at his disposal. He can only benefit from the chemistry they have established. Blocks are a good thing for the national team," the 55-year-old remarked.

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Prandelli: 'Pirlo is Italy guru'

Jun 16, 2013

Cesare Prandelli revealed Andrea Pirlo was asked to skip the Confederations Cup, while Stephan El Shaarawy is “frazzled” ahead of Mexico.

The Italy Coach spoke to Rai Sport just hours before their tournament opener against Mexico at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Rio de Janeiro.

“Are we using a prudent tactical system today? Not necessarily, because there are players able to attack the space and create a situation of superiority, basically adding an extra forward. For example, Emanuele Giaccherini is very good at that.”

The 4-3-3 system was a failure against Haiti, so Prandelli turns to a 4-3-2-1 with Giaccherini and Claudio Marchisio supporting Mario Balotelli.

“It’s not that the 4-3-3 was scrapped, but rather in a tournament with so many strong sides it can be useful to surprise our opponents. As for the 2-2 draw with Haiti, I’d talk about mental fatigue rather than purely physical.”

Some veterans keep pumping out the performances regardless and tonight Pirlo will celebrate his 100th Italy cap.

“Pirlo had been asked to stay home and rest for this tournament, but he showed great professionalism and just how much he cares about the Azzurri jersey. He is the guru of this Nazionale.”

[Socrates 8524]

'I could only have dreamed of 100 caps as a child' - Pirlo

The midfielder stamped a century of Azzurri games with a brilliant goal
at the Maracana and took time to celebrate his achievements.

Jun 16, 2013

Andrea Pirlo could not hide his delight at reaching his 100th cap for Italy after scoring during their 2-1 Confederations Cup victory over Mexico at the Maracana on Sunday.

The midfielder became only the fifth player to reach the milestone for the Azzurri and marked the occasion with a stunning free kick to open the scoring in the first half.

“First of all, it’s really rewarding for me,” the 34-year-old told reporters.

“It’s not something everyone does. It’s a great feeling to get 100 caps and to score, especially in a historic stadium like the Maracana. I could only have dreamed of this as a child."

But Pirlo was not ready to look at the landmark as the beginning of the end of his international career, and maintained that he still had much to accomplish in an Italy shirt before hanging up his boots.

“I was lucky enough to get 100 caps for Italy, but it’s not over yet,” revealed Pirlo. "I have other objectives, including winning the Confederations Cup.”

Pirlo joins Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon, Paolo Maldini and Dino Zoff as the other Italy centurions, but was the quickest out of the five to reach the landmark.