Socrates

Buffon: 'Avanti Italia!' Jun 30, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon sent another passionate message to fans ahead of the Euro 2012 Final. “It is better to suffer so we can rejoice than kid ourselves and die. Avanti Italia!” Italy go head-to-head with Spain in Kiev on Sunday evening, repeating their first game of the tournament that ended 1-1. “We are there, lads... We are there, fans... We are there, people...” wrote Buffon on his Facebook page. “We are doing it for us, but also for you, who fire me up and take away two hours of every day so I can watch the street celebrations on YouTube. “For you who never abandoned us, for you who would’ve honoured the shirt the same way we are doing it... but also for The Dream. “The Dream that I found at the end of July 2011 when reading ‘The Dolphin’ by Sergio Bambaren. But we are still compact and vigil, as nothing has been achieved other than giving dignity and joy back to our country. “At these moments I like to remember the banner that I read as a child, when I used to collect the Supertifo fanzine and guard it jealously... “It was written by Foggia fans and read: ‘It is better to suffer so we can rejoice than kid ourselves and die.’ “This is also the reason behind my burst of anger after the Germany game. “A hug for everyone. AVANTI ITALIA!!!” Buffon was livid at the final whistle of the 2-1 semi-final victory over Germany and later explained it was because he couldn’t believe Italy had risked extra time when in command for so long.

Watch out Messi & Ronaldo: Pirlo is now a real contender for the Ballon d'Or The magnificent midfielder has been at the centre of Italy's charge to the Euro 2012 final, and a victory on Sunday would confirm him as a front-runner for the world player award. Jun 29, 2012 'Stop Andrea Pirlo to stop Italy' has been the modus operandi of the Azzurri’s opponents at Euro 2012, and with good reason. But just as was the case for Juventus' Serie A rivals in 2011-12, it is proving much easier said than done. And with the four-time world champions standing just 90 minutes from a second taste of continental glory, the regista is making the greatest claim imaginable to be crowned the world’s best footballer. In an age when the bickering between Messi-ites and Ronaldo-ites can sometimes reach a level of utter tedium, Pirlo has delivered some magnificent performances in crucial fixtures to carry both his club and country to important victories. Another mesmerising display against England on Sunday and a man of the match performance in Thursday’s semi-final win over Germany have further strengthened the former AC Milan man’s position as one of the modern game’s very best players. PERFECT PIRLO SPAIN - GROUP C 3.5 - His delivery was uncharacteristically poor early on but he soon played a few exquisite passes. Was quiet for much of the rest of the game until he slid a beautiful pass to Di Natale who slotted in. CROATIA - GROUP C 3.5 - His all-round performance was of the highest class, with a series of fine corners and many great passes capped by a glorious free kick. IRELAND - GROUP C 3.0 - Had a really poor start but then rose to his usual role for Italy and again was at the centre of each of his team's attacks. ENGLAND - QUARTER-FINAL 3.5 - Played a few good passes as he was afforded too much space on the ball, creating a good opportunity with an exquisite pass before the break. He continued to dictate the game in the second half and pulled all the strings. Put his penalty down the middle with a classy Panenka. GERMANY - SEMI-FINAL 4.0 - Italy's midfield architect, he oozed class once again. Never panicked on the ball and picked his passes at will as Italy were able to retain possession. On the face of it, it wasn’t necessarily a vintage Pirlo effort which helped Italy through to the final as they beat Joachim Low’s side 2-1, but he played no small part in their triumph. On an uneven surface, Pirlo was able to master the conditions perfectly as he turned in another metronomic display in the centre of the park. Germany struggled to maintain position, but Pirlo didn’t. Again, he laid the platform for the Azzurri on the ball, guiding them around the park from his position at the axis, dictating operations in the unflustered manner to which we have all become so accustomed over the years. But there has been something more about him in the past 12 months. Back to full fitness after a long lay-off in 2010-11, the midfielder has also been able to show a burning desire, the like of which was arguably missing for a couple of years at the end of his Milan career. He has a real thirst to be the catalyst for everything that is good about Juventus and that has extended into his displays for the national team, too. At a time when Italian football is castigated at the drop of a hat, admiration of Pirlo is only increasing, and with good reason. But perhaps last night was the greatest proof yet that he is in the running to gatecrash the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or race. In a game where massive contributions by Daniele De Rossi, Mario Balotelli and Andrea Barzagli were arguably more worthy of the official man of the match award, it was Pirlo who was deigned the game’s stand-out by the sponsors, proving that he is a man currying favour at the right time. While league displays are all well and good, it is common practice for the big awards to be reflective of contributions at major international tournaments. Ronaldo (of Brazil) won the Ballon d’Or a decade ago on the strength of his magnificent performances at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, while Fabio Cannavaro’s story was much the same four years later. Pirlo is now in a great position to follow them, and victory for Italy over Spain on Sunday can surely only strengthen his case. In the Twitter age in which we now live, it is also notable, studying many a timeline, that Pirlo is receiving increasing praise from the world’s media on a daily basis, and as they hold voting rights in the awarding of the honour, that can only help the midfielder’s case. The one drawback in his bid to win the Ballon d’Or at the moment is his lack of games at Champions League level, with Juve having missed out on any European involvement last time out. However, by the time the votes are tallied at the end of the year, the Bianconeri will have played in the 2012-13 group stages, meaning a couple more man of the match performances on the continental stage remain a possibility before the year is out. And if, by then, he is a European champion at national level and a key man in a successful Juventus side making strides in the Champions League, few will even remember that he wasn’t involved in the competition last season. Being the best player in Serie A and the player of the tournament at the Euros in the first half of the year will surely be more than enough to satisfy the doubters as long as next season starts well. What must also be reiterated is that his contribution for Juve could not have been more crucial. A minnow in the world game they may not be, but they were not on the firm foundations of a Barcelona or Real Madrid when their assault on the Scudetto began. Far from it. Yet Pirlo steered them towards the prize almost single-handedly at times, and with his performances in the national colours matching those at club level, hatfuls of goals against the Granadas and Zaragozas of the world just don’t compare. So if Italy do topple Spain from their perch as Europe’s best on Sunday, expect their No.21 to follow with a huge prize of his own. In a modern game full of hyperbole, it is delivering on the big stage that really counts, and nobody has done that better than the unstoppable Pirlo so far in 2012.

Priceless Pirlo is the best signing of my career, says Marotta After a string of fine performances for the Azzurri, Juventus director has hailed the impact the former AC Milan midfielder has made on his squad since arriving in Turin. Jun 29, 2012 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has heaped praise on Andrea Pirlo, saying that it is impossible to put a price on the Italy regista. The 33-year-old has played a leading role in the Azzurri's Euro 2012 campaign, racking up one goal and two assists so far, and was named man of the match in the team's 2-1 victory against Germany on Thursday. Such performances have followed up a fine domestic season, where Pirlo helped Juve to their first Scudetto since 2002-03, and Marotta hailed the impact the midfielder has made. "Pirlo has been amazing, I think he is the best signing of my career," he told Rai Sport. "The circumstances were favourable for us to land him, just like when Sampdoria signed Antonio Cassano. "An improved contract? He is a great professional, so that is just trivial. The most important thing is that he continues to make the difference. "How much he is worth? Players like him are priceless.

Giovinco or Marchisio could inherit Del Piero's shirt The Italy duo are the main contenders for the jersey, but the Bianconeri could wait until the end of the summer before making a decision given their pursuit of Robin van Persie. Jun 29, 2012 Both Claudio Marchisio and Sebastian Giovinco are reportedly in contention to inherit Alessandro Del Piero's No.10 shirt at Juventus next season. According to the Corriere dello Sport, the former is a major candidate for the coveted jersey given that he is Turin born and raised, and Bianconero true and true. Indeed, bar a season-long loan at Empoli during the 2007-08 campaign, Marchisio, who currently wears No.8, has been at Juve since he was seven. However, the paper claims that Giovinco is also being considered. The 25-year-old attacker is also a product of the club's youth academy and has been considered the heir to Del Piero's throne since his days with the Primavera. Giovinco, though, has only just returned to the club after two seasons with Parma and the feeling is that if the No.10 shirt is to go to a new arrival, it should be bestowed upon their most high-profile summer signing. Indeed, given the Serie A champions are currently doing their utmost to tempt Arsenal striker Robin van Persie to Turin, and it is believed that the club will await the outcome of that particular pursuit before making a final decision, particularly in light of the Dutchman's fondness for the jersey.

Merkel hails artistic Pirlo Jun 29, 2012 German youngster Alexander Merkel has hailed the ability of Italian international Andrea Pirlo. “He is football.” The 20-year-old played alongside Pirlo at Milan before the latter joined Juventus and Merkel moved to Genoa. “Pirlo is football,” the midfielder told Stuttgarter Zeitung. “It is incredible what he can do with the ball and how he can anticipate situations. “The way that he had the courage to chip that penalty in the shoot-out against England was pure art – it left you speechless. “I’m happy that I was able to play alongside a player like him and I learned from him on a daily basis. He used to give me useful advice to help me improve.”

Kompany: Milan made Pirlo error Jun 29, 2012 Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has questioned Milan’s decision to let Andrea Pirlo leave the club on a free transfer. The Diavolo didn’t offer the midfielder a new contract last summer and he subsequently joined Juventus on a Bosman. In less than a year, he masterminded the Old Lady’s Scudetto victory and he’s been immense at Euro 2012 so far. “Milan believed Pirlo was finished and let him go to Juventus,” the Belgium international stated on his Twitter account. “He has now won the title with Juventus and leads his country to the Final. He’s a top player.”

Peerless Pirlo is priceless, say Juve Jun 29, 2012 Italy and Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo is priceless, insists the man who signed him on a free transfer from Milan. Pirlo has had a season to remember after guiding Juve to the Scudetto and now masterminding Italy’s progression to the Final of Euro 2012. “Players like that have no price, but he has an absolute value,” Bianconeri director general Beppe Marotta stated. “He is a great professional and the most important thing is that he continues to make the difference next season too. “Pirlo was superb against Germany in the semi-finals and I think he has been the best signing of my career. “Sometimes favourable opportunities appear and you have to take them, it was like when I signed Antonio Cassano for Sampdoria from Real Madrid.” Pirlo, 33, left Milan last summer on a Bosman after the Diavolo opted against offering the playmaker a new contract.

Pirlo: 'We've done nothing yet' Jun 28, 2012 Andrea Pirlo received another Man of the Match award against Germany, but warns Italy “haven’t done anything yet.” The Azzurri swept Germany aside 2-1 in the semi-final and now face Spain on Sunday in Kiev. “I have always tried to give my best and work for the team. After the World Cup we had a few problems and failed to get more success, but we earned this Final and now have to go for it. “We haven’t done anything yet, as it’d be like going to Rome and not seeing The Pope. We are in the Final, but we need the victory. “We require the same spirit, determination and mentality as we showed both against England and Germany tonight.” Pirlo was a key figure in the 2006 World Cup victory and was asked if this Euro 2012 campaign reminded him of that adventure. “There are similarities, as we want to experience these sensations and there are many players who have never really enjoyed this level. Now we are preparing for a great Final.”

Bonucci: 'Now bring on Spain' Jun 28, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci warned Italy “must not rest on our laurels” after sweeping Germany aside to face Spain in the Euro 2012 Final. “The credit goes to the whole team, as we attack and defend in a united fashion, so that makes it easier for the defenders. “Now we mustn’t rest on our laurels, as Sunday is very close and we want to win this trophy. “Considering the way Spain play, it’s not easy when dealing with those who come up from deep and run into space, but we showed in the group game that we were equal to them and can counter them.” Italy opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Spain, but at the time adopted a 3-5-2 system. Will they return to that for the Final? “That is something the Coach will decide, also looking at the lessons from the group game, but we are ready for any system.”

Buffon: 'I was so angry!' Jun 28, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon reveals he was livid at the final whistle of a 2-1 win over Germany. “We can’t play with fire after a performance like that.” The Azzurri had dominated the match, but conceded a late penalty and risked throwing away their 2-0 lead. “We are playing for something unique and totally prestigious, so it’s not right with the performance we put in to risk it in the last five minutes and play with fire. “If they had scored with a lucky ricochet for 2-2, we’d end up losing in extra time 9-2. We are playing in the Euros here and cannot take it lightly. “I always evaluate performances and attitudes rather than strictly wins or losses. We are still young, apart from a few old men in the squad, and need to learn. It’s only right for the old men to tell them off and stir up trouble. “We played a great game and could’ve won with a larger result, but there were times when we were even and made the most of incidents. It doesn’t take much to change a match. It went well for us tonight.” Buffon made a sensational save on Sami Khedira and Mario Balotelli scored moments later. “For a goalkeeper like me I think it was a good response, but it’s nothing new. I’m sorry if someone is surprised… There were two or three ricochets that we were lucky with and must be honest to evaluate everything not just the result. “I know there are many people who love me and I try to repay them with performances. I will smile when we’ve won and we haven’t done that yet.” The goalkeeper also revealed how he prepared for the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany. “I barely slept, but did not study our opponents, I spent an hour and a half watching YouTube clips of the celebrations in the streets in Italy after our victory over England. That gave me goosebumps and I can only imagine what’s happening now.”

Chiellini: 'Dream isn't over' Jun 28, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini admits it was “a dream” just to be in the semi-final after his injury and now Italy “want to lift that trophy.” The Azzurri defender went off during the Republic of Ireland game with a thigh problem and many thought his tournament was over, but he played the whole 90 minutes of this 2-1 semi-final win over Germany. “To be honest, 10 days ago it was just a dream to be here and I must thank the medical staff for getting me back so quickly. “We are certainly living a dream and with us millions of Italians. We want to keep dreaming and make it come true on Sunday. We will enjoy this victory for a few more minutes, but then our thoughts go to the Final.” Germany had won their last 15 competitive matches in a row, but confirmed their tradition of never beating Italy in a major tournament. “Tradition or not, the present is what counts and we believed from the start. I don’t know about others, but we were convinced we could win this game and had everything to trouble Germany. “It’s natural they have great players and were dangerous, but we defended well and in all honesty 3-0 would’ve been a fitting result,” said Chiellini. The Azzurri now face Spain in the Final on Sunday in Kiev, a repeat of their opening group game that ended 1-1. “This was a stepping stone and now we have the final peak to conquer. We believed in this dream from the start to the 95th and now we want to lift that trophy.”

Marchisio: 'So tired!' Jun 28, 2012 Claudio Marchisio reveals he missed a great chance to score a third against Germany because he was “so tired I could barely see.” The midfielder drilled wide rather than pass to Antonio Di Natale, who may have been offside, in the 2-1 win over Germany. “I apologised to Di Natale, as I could barely see any more I was so tired and so had to try a shot. “The greatest moment will be the next game if we win the Euros. We’re utterly exhausted. It was such a good start with Mario (Balotelli) and we were clinical, which we haven’t been so far. “It was a fantastic performance, we have shown that we are up to the task against Spain and Germany. “Now we’re facing Spain again and it’s about bringing out what we have left after all this fatigue. “This victory is for the fans and we hope this success can bring solace and enjoyment during this time of crisis.”

Ozil to mark Pirlo? Jun 28, 2012 Italian pundits believe Alessandro Diamanti will be on the bench and Mesut Ozil is set to mark Andrea Pirlo. Tonight Italy-Germany is the Euro 2012 semi-final with the winner going on to face Spain on Sunday. “I am curious to see what Ozil will do, as Joachim Low will probably use him to mark Pirlo in midfield,” Maurizio Compagnoni told Sky Sport Italia. “I think Riccardo Montolivo could cause some problems for Bastian Schweinsteiger too.” There were reports of Diamanti pushing his way into the starting XI after a fine performance against England. “I really like Diamanti and he has that arrogance needed at this level, so when he went to take the final penalty I felt confident. However, I believe Cesare Prandelli sees Diamanti as more of a weapon to be deployed during the game. “Mario Balotelli lacks the killer instinct of Pippo Inzaghi, but has a great deal of quality. He did well in the quarter-final and it’s only right that he starts.”

Voller: 'Isolate Pirlo' Jun 28, 2012 Ex-Roma Coach Rudi Voller gives Germany advice on how to beat Italy tonight. “They have to isolate Andrea Pirlo.” The Euro 2012 semi-final kicks off at 19.45 UK time in Warsaw with the winner going through to face Spain. “Cesare Prandelli gives Pirlo all the freedom he needs and he makes perfect use of it,” current Bayer Leverkusen director of sport Voller told German newspaper Kicker. “He plays in front of the defence as a deep-lying playmaker, but can also work closer to the strikers. Pirlo has proved he is an added value for Italy in any midfield position he takes. “It would be a good idea for Germany to isolate Pirlo. In the game against England it seemed like he made 500 passes rather than 150, plus that fantastic penalty. “Italy are not a side who practice the typical catenaccio. Prandelli plays with two strikers because he doesn’t want to leave one of them on the bench, where he already has a great hitman like Antonio Di Natale ready to step in.”

Buffon: We cannot make a mistake Jun 28, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon admits that to defeat Germany in Thursday’s semi-final will require a perfect performance from Italy. The Azzurri face Joachin Low’s outfit with an historical advantage, having never lost in a competitive match to the Germans from seven previous attempts. However, to make that eight tonight, against one the tournament’s top goalscorers, captain Buffon admits it will take something special from his teammates. “We know you want revenge, and that you’re damn strong. A great team,” he told German publication Bild on Thursday. “We cannot afford any mistakes and as always we will need a little luck. “Traditions and statistics are made just to be overturned. Of course, I hope that things remain the same and that we are again happy. “[The 2006 World Cup semi-final win over Germany] was incredibly satisfying. At that time we beat an opponent in a spectacular setting, we were then able to go to Berlin and became world champions. “The game is a classic between to great teams and will belong to the most beautiful memories of my career.” Buffon was asked of his opponent in the Germany goal, Manuel Neuer, and if the youngster had the potential to become one of the game’s greats between the sticks. “I do not know. Everyone has their story. But, he is certainly very strong. The proof is that he is the No 1 for Bayern and for Germany.”

Pogba edges towards Juventus Jun 28, 2012 Juventus could announce the capture of Paul Pogba from Manchester United on July 1, says the Corriere dello Sport. The 19-year-old will join the Italian club after rejecting the offer of a new contract with the English giants. Juve will pay no transfer fee for the teenager, but will be forced to offer United some sort of compensation. The midfielder is a highly-rated youngster who has appeared for France at youth level from Under-16s to U-19s so far. Pogba made seven appearances for the Old Trafford outfit in the last campaign.

Pirlo is unique, underlines Materazzi Jun 28, 2012 Pescara starlet Marco Verratti is not the new Andrea Pirlo.

Low: 'We must disarm Pirlo' Jun 27, 2012 Germany manager Joachim Low admits the plan is to “disarm” Andrea Pirlo and “dictate the tempo” against Italy. The Euro 2012 semi-final is in Warsaw on Thursday evening, while Spain-Portugal is tonight. “We're here where we wanted to be. I think the best four teams are here,” he said in a Press conference. “These four teams have played the best football. It will be very tight, the teams will be playing at the top level, there's no doubt about this. As it's a semi-final, you do need a little bit of luck to get to the final. We are in a strong position. “Italy are very good coming from the back with Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli they have really classy players and especially Pirlo. He's the one who gives the tactics, the ideas, and directs the game. “We have to disturb these players and think of a way how we can do better than them in midfield and must dictate the tempo ourselves. We have a plan to ‘disarm’ the Pirlo weapon. “We have to be cheeky, confident, but work very hard as well. We won't concentrate on them, we will work on our own game. “We know how Cassano and Balotelli play but I am convinced my central defenders will cope. We are prepared for that. Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber have the support of the midfielders and they are both very tactically astute.”

Marchisio: 'Italy never give in' Jun 27, 2012 Claudio Marchisio says Italy’s semi-final with Germany “will be tough, but we never give in!” The Juventus midfielder wrote a message on his Facebook page to the fans after the Azzurri progressed to the final four of Euro 2012. “It was so exciting against England! We reached a semi-final that few really believed in, but we always stayed on our toes. “With a solid, united squad that battles, runs and plays the way we know how, we can reach the great objective! “It will be tough, but we have an enormous heart and never give in!”

Chiellini 'has recovered' Jun 27, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini “has recovered from his injury and could be on the field against Germany,” announced his agent. There were reports the Juventus and Italy defender had made a rapid recovery after his thigh problem against the Republic of Ireland. “I can say that Giorgio has recovered from his injury, is back at Cesare Prandelli’s disposal and could be on the field against Germany,” Claudio Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia this afternoon. It is a big boost for the Azzurri, who face Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final on Thursday evening. “I hope that he can start, but this depends on the Coach and the system he decides to pick, especially considering the number of absentees out wide. “He is coming off a very delicate injury and the medical staff helped him recover in record time. Tomorrow I’ll fly out with most of my family to be at the game with Germany. “Last night I dreamed I was on the field as well!”

Buffon following his Euro dream Jun 27, 2012 Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon concedes it will be tough to beat Germany – but he believes in his Euro 2012 dream. The Germans will start as favourites in Thursday’s semi-final between the two sides, but the Juventus custodian says the Azzurri will give it their all. “We want to move forward towards our dream,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Germany look like an insurmountable obstacle. They may be, but now that we are here, we have to push even more. “There comes a time in life when there remains nothing to do but to go down your own path and follow your dreams – this is a duty of every individual. “Too often we are addicted and numb from the negativity that surrounds us, too often we are resigned to a fate that others will want to assign, we almost always stop dreaming when we reach the age of maturity or upon reaching a certain position and a job that gives us independence, but does not stimulate our imagination and our senses. “As a child I dreamed of becoming a footballer, as a kid I dreamed of becoming the goalkeeper of the national team and Juventus. “At around 20 I wanted to win the Scudetto, when I arrived at 25 I wanted the Champions League and the World Cup, at 30 to win back the title with Juventus and the European Championship.”

Buffon: Italy must dare to dream The Juventus goalkeeper has posted a stirring call to arms on his Facebook page which has already generated almost 10,000 likes and over 1,000 comments. Jun 27, 2012 Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has issued a rallying cry ahead of Thursday's Euro 2012 semi-final showdown with Germany. On the eve of the country's biggest game since the 2006 World Cup final, the Juventus goalkeeper took to Facebook to remind both his team-mates and the nation that nothing is impossible for those who dare to dream. "There comes a time in life when there remains nothing to do other than take your own path and follow your dreams; this is a duty of every single individual," Buffon wrote. "Too often we are addicted to and left numb by the negativity that surrounds us; too often we are resigned to a fate that others want to assign us, and almost always stop dreaming once we reach the age of maturity or upon reaching a certain position and a job that gives us independence but does not stimulate our imagination and our senses. "As a child I dreamed of becoming a footballer; as a young boy I dreamed of becoming the goalkeeper of the national team and Juventus; at around 20 I wanted to win the Scudetto; when I arrived at 25, the Champions League and the World Cup; at 30, to win back the league titles with Juventus and the European Championship. "The majority of these fixed targets I have achieved, even if something is still missing. I never know if I will realise them, but I have the firm conviction that the only way to do it is to want them; live them intensely even when they seem like Utopian dreams. Without dreams one is not living, one is surviving. Without dreams you are not the driving force in your life, but you are only a faded figure who has accepted your existence, without alarms, without surprises, without life. "Coming here to Poland and thinking of playing a semi-final was unthinkable, at least in warm-up, but we believed in ourselves; we really wanted it; we desired it, and every sacrifice was made with a view to achieving our goal! "Now the obstacle seems insurmountable - it probably will be - but now that we have come so far we must dare to go a little further ... towards the DREAM ... towards the JOY ... "Forward, Italy!"

Memories of 16-year-old star Pirlo Jun 26, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has won over Europe with his performances, but Eugenio Corini remembers “on his debut aged 16 we knew a star had been born.” The Italy midfielder’s Man of the Match performance and audacious chipped penalty against England has seen him hit the headlines. “I remember his Serie A debut in Reggiana-Brescia in 1995. He always was destined for greatness,” former Chievo and Palermo midfielder Corini told TMW. “That year I was playing for Brescia and there was this lad who everyone described as a phenomenon. “In training he already showed immense quality and at the end of the season he made his debut in a game against Reggiana, aged just 16. That day, we were all fully aware that a star had been born.” It was May 21 1995 with Pirlo making his Serie A bow just two days after his 16th birthday, becoming Brescia’s youngest ever debutant. “The most impressive thing about Andrea is his tactical wisdom. He’s not just about technique, but has the ability to make everyone play better and bring balance to the team. “He is a unique player and the best in the world in his role.” The chipped penalty over Joe Hart in the shoot-out left many stunned. “I heard some say it was a crazy gesture, but I think it was a clear manifestation of his talent and clear head in that moment. “He is totally secure of his abilities and can transmit that sense of belief and confidence to his teammates too.” Italy will now face Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final on Thursday. “Now that they are here, Italy are capable of just about anything,” continued Corini. “I saw a good Nazionale against England and think they can repeat the performance with the Germans. “Mario Balotelli was very concentrated in attack and always at the centre of the action despite a few errors. “If I were Cesare Prandelli, I’d confirm the partnership between Mario and Antonio Cassano, keeping the Antonio Di Natale card up his sleeve for the second half.”

Pirlo: 'I took Hart down a peg' Jun 26, 2012 Andrea Pirlo feels Germany are afraid of Italy, took that penalty to “bring Joe Hart down a peg” and “won’t be upset” if he never wins the Ballon d’Or. The Italy midfielder was already a hero within the peninsula, but won over many new admirers with his performance and cheeky chipped spot-kick in the Euro 2012 quarter-final victory. “I saw Hart was practically down on the ground already, so I tried it. I didn’t think about what would happen if I’d got it wrong, it was just a spontaneous thing,” explained Pirlo in today’s Press conference. “Hart looked very confident in himself, so I thought we had to bring him down a peg or two. “The nicest thing about all this was when my football colleagues complimented me for the penalty. That is always pleasing. “Gigi Buffon reassured us all before the penalties and made us feel calm. He was proved right. “I do not dedicate it to Juventus President Andrea Agnelli, nor Milan’s Adriano Galliani, but simply to all Italians. I have no desire for revenge on anybody.” Pirlo’s Man of the Match performance against England and his crucial role in taking Juve to the Scudetto have led some to suggest he’ll be in line for the Ballon d’Or. “As long as Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are around, it’s impossible to win it. They are a step above the rest and score 60 goals per season, so I won’t be upset to miss out.” The Azzurri now go into Thursday’s semi-final against tournament favourites Germany, who have been able to rest for two extra days. “Germany are strong in every area and proved that with the results they’ve had so far in both qualifying and the competition. “I expect a great game, they are very strong, but we know that we can beat them. We studied them today and will do so again over the next two days. “What can we do better on Thursday? Score a goal,” smiled Pirlo, who was in the Italy side that beat Germany in the 2006 World Cup semi-final. “Compared to England, Germany are a team who come out and play football. Mesut Ozil will be the fulcrum of their midfield and he’ll be close to me on the pitch. “We came here to win and Germany are afraid of us, as they know we can cause them problems. There is the same hunger as in 2006 and Germany play the same way, with more fans behind them, but we are on a par with Spain in terms of our midfield. “I am almost at the end of my career, so it’s pleasing to experience the emotions of these games and that adrenaline rush you don’t often enjoy.”

Ancelotti: Pirlo won it for Italy Jun 26, 2012 Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti insists that Andrea Pirlo’s chipped penalty was the deciding factor in Italy’s win over England at Euro 2012. The Azzurri progressed to the semi-finals thanks to a shoot-out victory in which Riccardo Montolivo was the first to miss. However, then Pirlo calmly stepped up with his ‘spoon’ effort which has won rave reviews since the triumph. “That penalty changed the balance of the tie,” Ancelotti told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “I’m convinced of that. “When a player does something like that it can depress your opponents and it enhances your teammates. That’s why Pirlo was decisive.” The sublime spot-kick by the Juventus playmaker capped off a fine display in the previous 120 minutes of the tie. “Andrea is an immense player and there are no other adjectives to add,” Ancelotti added. “Italy were unlucky, but then Pirlo thought about resolving the issue. “We all saw what Pirlo did. Only a genius can do such things…” Ancelotti knows Pirlo well having been his boss at Milan in the past. Ancelotti actually decided to regularly field Pirlo in his now trademark deep midfield position after he was used at Brescia in such a role by Carlo Mazzone.