Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo always delivers in big games, says Gattuso

The former Palermo coach is confident that the veteran playmaker
will rise to the occasion at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Oct 17, 2013

Gennaro Gattuso has voiced his admiration for Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo ahead of next week's vital Champions League match against Real Madrid, claiming that his former AC Milan team-mate always delivers when it matters most.

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The Serie A champions desperately need a good result at the Santiago Bernabeu next week after drawing their opening two games, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, yet Gattuso has little doubt that the Bianconeri's most influential will show his team the way forward.

"Andrea does not feel any fear and is almost always decivise in games like the one at the Bernabeu next week," the former Rossoneri enforcer told Tuttosport.

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"It's always been like that with Pirlo. It was already like that with Milan in the Champions League finals and nothing has changed. I tended to get all nervous and could hardly sleep, whereas Andrea always kept his calm.

"Andrea is 34 years old, he's not a kid any more and he's the first to acknowledge that. You cannot expect him to be on top of his game every Sunday."

Pirlo has made nine appearances for Juventus so far this season, scoring once in the process.

[Socrates 7981]

Gattuso: Pirlo still the best

Oct 17, 2013

Gennaro Gattuso has underlined the continuing importance of former teammate Andrea Pirlo to Juventus and Italy.

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“He and Francesco Totti remain the best players in the country,” the recently sacked Palermo boss told Tuttosport.

“Andrea is 34, he is no longer a kid, but he is the first person to be aware of that. And it is only normal that he is not in top shape every Sunday.

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“We are good friends and we often speak with each other. I know him really well and I can guarantee that he is in good form right now.

“I thought he did well against Milan before the international break and on Tuesday with the national side.

“He provided Mario Balotelli with one of ‘his’ assists against Armenia.”

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Pirlo’s club future is in some doubt given that his contract with the Old Lady is set to expire at the end of the season.

Gattuso played alongside the playmaker for Milan and Italy.

[Socrates 7981]

Verratti: It's phenomenal to play with Pirlo

The Italy midfielder admits he considers the midfielder and Alessandro Del Piero
as role models and is determined to earn a place at next summer's World Cup.

Oct 25, 2013

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has paid tribute to the "phenomenal" Andrea Pirlo and admits he has modelled his game on the Juventus star.

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The 34-year-old has won four Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues and a World Cup in a glittering career, and Verratti says he has always looked on Pirlo - and fellow Azzurri icon Alessandro Del Piero - as role models for his career.

"When I was little, I loved Alessandro Del Piero, who made history with Juventus and the national team. And growing up, once I took to the pitch, I looked closely at what Andrea Pirlo was doing," Verratti told RMC.

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"Now, I play with him in the national team. It's phenomenal."

[Socrates 7981]

Juventus duo on Ballon d’Or lists

Oct 29, 2013

Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo and boss Antonio Conte are on the shortlists for the 2013 FIFA Golden Ball awards.

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Pirlo is the only Italian included on the 23-man shortlist in the World Player of the Year category after winning his second consecutive Scudetto with the Old Lady.

Conte, meanwhile, is one of 10 tacticians who are in the running to be named as the 2013 FIFA World Coach of the Year.

Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti, now at Real Madrid, and Napoli boss Rafael Benitez have also been short-listed.

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The head Coaches and captains of national sides, as well as journalists selected by France Football magazine, will now vote for the winner.

The top three for each award will be unveiled at the start of December before the names of the winners will be announced on January 13, 2014.

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FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013:

Gareth Bale (Wales), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Müller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Özil (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Franck Ribéry (France), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Luis Suárez (Uruguay), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire), Robin Van Persie (Netherlands), Xavi (Spain).

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World Coach of the Year 2013:

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain FC/Real Madrid CF), Rafael Benítez (Spain/Chelsea FC/SSC Napoli), Antonio Conte (Italy/Juventus), Vicente Del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Sir Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United FC former Coach), Jupp Heynckes (Germany/FC Bayern München former Coach), Jürgen Klopp (Germany/Borussia Dortmund), José Mourinho (Portugal/Real Madrid CF/Chelsea FC), Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil/Brazil national team), Arsène Wenger (France/Arsenal FC).

[Socrates 7981]

Conte: Pirlo should win Ballon d'Or

The 34-year-old remains a key player for club and country and his coach
believes he is worthy of winning the prestigious award this year.

Oct 30, 2013

Andrea Pirlo deserves to win the 2013 Ballon d'Or, according to his Juventus boss Antonio Conte.

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The 34-year-old was pivotal in the Old Lady's surge to Scudetto glory last season, and remains a key man for both the Bianconeri and Italy.

And though the likes of Franck Ribery, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are clear favourites for the award, Conte admits he would give it to the classy playmaker.

"For me, if there was one winner it would be Pirlo," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

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"I know it's unlikely to happen, what with players like Messi, Ronaldo, Ribery and Ibrahimovic up for the award, but he deserves it. It would be great to see him win it."

Conte also expressed his disbelief that Francesco Totti has not made the 23-man shortlist, considering his inspirational performances for Roma so far this season.

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"It is incredible that there is no Totti on the list," he continued.

"Fifa must simply have forgotten him."

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo eyes Mihajlovic record

Oct 31, 2013

Andrea Pirlo is now just five free-kick goals away from equalling the Serie A record tally of Sinisa Mihajlovic.

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The Juventus ace scored his 23rd direct free-kick last night in the 4-0 win over Catania, moving one clear of former colleague Alessandro Del Piero.

His last remaining target is Mihajlovic, the former Roma, Lazio, Sampdoria and Inter man who struck 28 times in the top-flight from set-pieces.

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Pirlo has scored two for Brescia, three for Reggina, 10 for Milan and last night’s was his eighth in the Division for the Old Lady.

Top five free-kick scorers in Serie A: 1 Sinisa Mihajlovic (28), 2 Andrea Pirlo (23), 3 Alessandro Del Piero (22), =4 Roberto Baggio and Gianfranco Zola (20).

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo surpasses Del Piero in Serie A free kick ranking

The influential midfielder once more confirmed his status as one
of the best set-piece takers around on Wednesday evening.

Oct 31, 2013

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has surpassed Alessandro Del Piero's tally of 22 Serie A goals from direct free kicks after taking his own figure to 23 with his successful strike in the 4-0 win over Catania on Wednesday.

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The 34-year-old has consequently moved to second place in the ranking of best free kick takers in the Italian top flight of the past 30 years, with only former Serbia international Sinisa Mihajlovic still ahead of him with 28 goals.

Pirlo netted two set-pieces for Brescia in the early stages of his career, while adding three more to his tally during his time at Reggina.

The influential midfielder's reputation grew during his spell at AC Milan as he converted 10 free kicks during his 10 seasons at the Rossoneri. His goal versus Catania saw him take his tally at Juventus to eight.

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PLAYER

Sinisa Mihajlovic (Serbia): Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio, Inter - 28 goals
Andrea Pirlo (Italy): Brescia, Inter, Reggina, AC Milan, Juventus - 23
Alessandro Del Piero (Italy): Juventus - 22
Roberto Baggio (Italy): Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, Bologna, Inter, Brescia - 20
Gianfranco Zola (Italy): Napoli, Parma, Cagliari - 20

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Former greats Roberto Baggio and Gianfranco Zola complete the top five with 20 goals each, while specialists such as Diego Maradona, Michel Platini and Alvaro Recoba are among the best free kick takers of the past 30 years too.

Roma skipper Francesco Totti is the only other player who is still active in Serie A in the top 10 with 14 goals.

[Socrates 7981]

Scolari would pick Totti and Pirlo

Nov 7, 2013

Luiz Felipe Scolari says Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo would be in his summer World Cup plans had they been Brazilian.

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Speaking to the Corriere dello Sport on Thursday, the Brazilian tactician fuelled calls for the Roma captain – now 37 – to be recalled to the Italy set-up for Brazil 2014.

“I like Totti a lot,” Scolari noted. “He’s playing well, he has unsurpassable qualities and a great affection for Roma.

“Had he been Brazilian then he would have a great chance of being called up by me, but he is lucky enough to be eligible for a fantastic and spectacular national side.

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“Whoever is good enough for Italy could also play for Brazil.”

While Totti quit the national side after success in Germany 2006, Pirlo has continued to inspire the Azzurri.

“Throughout the world there are players who are head and shoulders above the others,” Scolari noted of the 34-year-old Juventus playmaker.

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“Pirlo is one of those who has marked an era for his quality, for how he treats the ball and for his ability to always find the right position on the field.

“He would play in any team in any League.”

Turning to the Italian side as a whole, the 64-year-old tactician is expecting great things from Cesare Prandelli’s men in South America.

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“Italy are one of the top candidates to win the World Cup in Brazil. I like Prandelli as a Coach and a man. He’s done an exceptional job in renewing the Italy side both in terms of tactics and spirit.

“The Italy midfield plays the ball well and has elements who can develop the play, with long or short passes.”

Scolari also confirmed the story that he was once considered as a replacement for Giovanni Trapattoni after the 2002 World Cup debacle.

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“I was in Italy in 2002 to talk to the Federation officials. There was a possibility that I would become the Coach of your national side, but I then went to Portugal.

“A move to Italy in the future? My contract will expire after the World Cup. Italy is certainly an appetising place for any Coach in the world. Everyone would like to work in your country.”

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo: 'Pogba and the Ballon d'Or'

Nov 9, 2013

Andrea Pirlo praised Juventus teammate Paul Pogba, explained his Milan exit and revealed his choice for the Ballon d’Or.

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The midfielder sat down with Sky Sport Italia to discuss his career ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Napoli.

“Winning on Sunday would allow us to stay close to Roma, who are doing very well. I didn’t expect them to win so many games, though I always knew they had quality.

“Napoli have changed their style under Rafa Benitez and always go out to win, whereas before they focused heavily on the counter-attack. I have above all been impressed by Gonzalo Higuain, who really is a great buy.”

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Pirlo is the only Italian in the running for the Ballon d’Or this year and he was asked who he would give it to.

“I am very pleased to be in amongst all those champions. I’d give it to Franck Ribery, as this year he proved that he is a great player and won so much with Bayern Munich.

“Pogba can become the best midfielder in the world. He has strength, technique and the right mentality.”

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Pirlo arrived at Juventus as a free agent after his contract with Milan was allowed to expire, ending 10 years at the club.

“We had reached the end of an era with Milan and they needed a new generation to step in. It doesn’t surprise me that they are struggling at the moment, but it’s just a matter of time.”

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo: 'Title race to the end'

Nov 10, 2013

Andrea Pirlo scored a sensational goal as Juventus crushed Napoli 3-0, but insists “they’ll be in the title fight to the end.”

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The midfielder curled a free kick over the wall and under the bar to stun Pepe Reina, while Fernando Llorente and Paul Pogba were also on target.

“I was fortunate with my goal, but I’m happier with the victory,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.

“We tried to send a signal to those in front of us, to let them know we’re going to have a great season.

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“The two defeats to Fiorentina and Real Madrid helped us to grow. Now we have rediscovered ourselves and must continue along this path.”

This weekend’s results mean Juve are just one point behind Serie A leaders Roma.

“The Giallorossi and Napoli will be in the title fight to the end. We just have to focus on ourselves.”

[Socrates 7981]

Albertini hails golden Pirlo

Nov 12, 2013

Juventus and Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo would be a worthy winner of the Golden Ball, says Demetrio Albertini.

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The midfielder is on the 23-man shortlist for the honour, but he isn’t expected to even finish on the Ballon d’Or podium.

“The likes of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Francesco Totti would have deserved the Golden Ball as well,” the Italian Football Federation official told Sky Sport Italia.

“Andrea is an extraordinary talent of Italian football. I have seen him grow up since the start of his career,” continued the former Milan man.

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“He knows of the affection that I hold for him – one I had even before he became an established player.”

Pirlo is still a key man for club and country. He aided Juventus to a 3-0 win over Napoli at the weekend with a trademark free-kick.

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo out and Alonso in at Juve?

Nov 12, 2013

The Corriere della Sera claims Juventus will make a move for Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso should Andrea Pirlo not sign a new contract.

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The Italian is in the last year of his deal in Turin and has made it clear in the past that he would only remain should he continue to be a key man for the side.

The Spaniard is an attractive proposition to the Old Lady seeing as his agreement in Spain is also set to run out in June, thus potentially making him available on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old Alonso was targeted by the previous regime in Turin while he was at Liverpool, but the Italian club then opted to sign Christian Poulsen instead.

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Juventus, according to the Corriere, have already held primary talks with Alonso, a man who also has admirers in England.

Juve director general Beppe Marotta has a habit of signing good free transfers as Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Fernando Llorente – who all scored in the 3-0 win over Napoli – were signed for nothing.

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo: 'Optimistic for World Cup'

Nov 15, 2013

Andrea Pirlo is “optimistic” that Italy will do well at the World Cup after their 1-1 friendly draw with Germany.

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“When the Coach arrived he helped younger players to settle in, so we have time to put together a fine mix of youth and experience for a great World Cup,” he told Rai Sport.

“This was an important test against a great side and we played them on an even keel. It was important to see what level we’re at on this stage of the season.”

Joachim Löw said this week Italy were “master illusionists” who tended to take teams by surprise.

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“We are a team who never give in, we have great resources and always want to win. We proved that against Germany, where a few times in recent years they thought themselves superior and yet we still beat them.

“Germany have been together a long time and know each other well, but Italy are getting there and we’re very optimistic for the World Cup. We must always play at 100 per cent with the ultimate concentration and determination, but we never disappoint in these big tests because motivation is not hard to find.”

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Pirlo was given a warm welcome at San Siro this evening, even though he has long since left Milan for Juventus.

“I played at San Siro for 10 years, so it’s always nice to come back here and receive such a good reception.”

He was asked about reports that Paolo Maldini will soon join the Milan staff as a director.

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“I don’t know what will happen in future, but he’s a legend and it would be good to see him back in Italian football.

“I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Franck Ribery. I think he deserves it more, as with Bayern Munich he won everything there was to win this year.”

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Rai Sport also asked Pirlo about his upcoming contract renewal talks with Juventus and left the door open.

“I don’t know, there’s a whole season ahead of us and we’ll talk about it at the right time. I am optimistic, always. I want to keep playing because I have fun and am in good shape. We’ll see if it’s with Juve or another team, but I won’t rule anything out.”

[Socrates 7981]

English clubs watch Pirlo situation

Nov 16, 2013

While Andrea Pirlo commented on his Juventus contract situation, it’s reported Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United want him.

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The veteran midfielder’s deal expires at the end of the season and negotiations have not progressed far.

“I don’t know, there’s a whole season ahead of us and we’ll talk about it at the right time. I am optimistic, always,” the 34-year-old told Rai Sport after last night’s 1-1 draw with Germany.

“I want to keep playing because I have fun and am in good shape. We’ll see if it’s with Juve or another team, but I won’t rule anything out.”

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According to the Daily Star, this means there are four Premier League clubs who believe they can coax Pirlo to England next year on a Bosman.

He already moved from Milan to Juventus as a free agent in July 2011, so it would not be the first time he’s taken such a step.

The sides ready to pick up Pirlo are Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo: Now is not the time for contract talks

The Juventus midfielder has made it clear that he is in no hurry to decide
where his future lies though says he wants to keep playing at the top level.

Nov 16, 2013

Andrea Pirlo says he will not be rushed into making a decision regarding his future at Juventus.

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The 34-year old Italy international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

And speaking to journalists during a post match interview following Italy’s 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday, Pirlo felt relaxed about where his future lies beyond the current campaign.

“My future? There is throughout the season to talk about it; we’ll see,” Pirlo said.

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“I’m optimistic. I want to keep playing, because I'm good and enjoy it. I don’t know if it will be at Juventus or another team."

Pirlo, who joined from Milan back in 2011, has helped Juventus secure two Serie A titles, as well as two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo considers contract offers

Nov 17, 2013

Andrea Pirlo’s contract expires in June and he’s considering a new Juventus offer, but several Premier League clubs are calling.

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The midfielder will turn 35 in May, although he remains one of the top players in the world in his role.

He shook up the situation this week when revealing he wanted to continue playing, “we’ll see if it’s with Juve or another team, but I won’t rule anything out.”

Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are all said to be preparing offers if he wants a new experience as a free agent next year.

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According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport today, Pirlo’s agent is ready to discuss the Juventus proposal of a two-year contract worth €4m per season plus performance-related bonuses.

The Daily Star claims Spurs are leading the chase with a three-year contract worth €5m per season.

[Socrates 7981]

Biglia reveals Pirlo admiration

Nov 18, 2013

Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia has revealed that he takes inspiration from Juventus man Andrea Pirlo.

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The Argentine playmaker joined the capital club from Anderlecht in the summer, and has claimed that the Bianconeri Ballon d’Or nominee is one of his heroes.

“I am a traditional Argentine number five,” he told Clarin. “I like to try and get the ball moving, always trying to use it intelligently.

“That’s what I’ve been taught since I was very small.

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“My point of reference as a kid was Fernando Redondo – I always tried to replicate what he did on the pitch.

“Today however, I really admire Sergio Busquets and Andrea Pirlo – Pirlo is a playmaker who has moved into a deeper position, whereas Busquets has the sort of quality very few possess.”

[Socrates 7981]

Ancelotti rules out Pirlo-Alonso exchange deal

The former Paris Saint-Germain coach has stressed that the Spain international
remains a key player for Madrid and is not interested in a swap for the Juventus veteran.

Nov 19, 2013

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out the possibility of a player exchange deal involving Xabi Alonso and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

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Both playmakers are reaching the end of their respective contracts and Alonso, 31, has been heavily linked with a move to the Serie A champions while Pirlo is thought to be keen on a reunion with former AC Milan boss Ancelotti.

However, the Madrid boss has now made it clear that he will not make a move for his 34-year-old compatriot and is eager to keep Alonso at Santiago Bernabeu.

"Xabi is a vital player for Madrid now that he's recovered from injury. There are only two players like him in Europe. One is Pirlo and the other is Xabi," Ancelotti told Mediaset.

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"However, we have no intention of making a player exchange deal with Juventus. There is no substance to any rumour like that.

"I am still in touch with Andrea because I have a good relation with him. I was pleased to see the Madrid fans give him a warm welcome when we met."

Pirlo has been with Juventus since the summer of 2011 was inspirational in their successive Scudetto triumphs, but has seen his first-team place come under increasing threat from Paul Pogba this season.

[Socrates 7981]

Brawn Over Brains: Juventus Without Andrea Pirlo

Nov 19, 2013

Since his arrival in Turin, Juventus are now having to deal with the same dilemma AC Milan used to: what does life after Andrea Pirlo look like?

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The Italian has been the cornerstone of the best midfield in Serie A over the last couple seasons, alongside Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, and Paul Pogba. However Pirlo is 34 years old today, slowing down and Antonio Conte has been increasingly managing his fitness over the last 18 months.

In Conte’s 3-5-2, Pirlo has very much been the perfect player. As the regista (deep-lying playmaker), the entire team is build around him. He has midfield runners alongside him, with Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba. Pirlo also has flying wingbacks, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Assamoah, to open up the pitch and take advantage of his passing range.

Since Juventus returned in Europe however, Conte has been increasingly managing Pirlo’s fitness. With the added caveat of the Champions League, it is more difficult for Pirlo to retain his best physical condition whilst playing three games a week. Every year that goes by of course, is one more year that Pirlo’s effect wanes.

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Pirlo has never been a player who ran a lot. He does not defend much either. However he has a very specific skill set that no player can match in Serie A, and probably even in the world. As such, it is always a blessing to have a player like Pirlo. On the other hand, it is also a problem when he is absent from the pitch.

On numerous occasions already, Conte has deployed Pogba in his position when resting Pirlo. It is important here to discern that Conte has used Pogba in Pirlo’s position, and not Pirlo’s role. Pogba boasts of athletic gifts that Pirlo never had, but on the other hand does not have the passing range the Italian possesses.

Pogba is a player that is very difficult to dispossess. He uses his size and strength to ward off players. He also has that rangy running style that allows him to break through the opposition’s midfield line. Although he is not as eagle-eyed as Pirlo, Pogba can see a pass and has a powerful long range shot as part of his arsenal as well. Conte gambles on all those attributes for Pogba to fill Pirlo’s position.

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The main difference between both is that Juventus’ team becomes a much more physical and athletic one with Pogba instead of Pirlo. That is not a fundamentally bad thing of course. In fact, for Europe, adding more physical density to one’s midfield often pays off in this era of high pressing and packed midfields.

What Juventus loses is in speed of play. Carrying the ball forward is always slower than passing it up the field. What Pogba manages to do in one gut-busting run, Pirlo does with a single swing of his foot. The speed of play suffers but the incisiveness as well. Verticality is the most crucial loss. Pirlo, with one pass, can immediately turn momentum in Juventus favor by switching the play onto a running teammate in an attacking position.

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A team without Pirlo would be a much more physically imposing side. Especially with Conte’s high intensity pressing style, a midfield-three of Pogba, Vidal and Marchisio presents just as daunting a proposition. Pirlo tends to focus attentions when he is on the pitch. When so much of the play goes through him, teams target him and can thus blunt Juventus’ cutting edge. However a Juventus without Pirlo will be a team with a slower build-up play.

It will be a team less able to verticalize play, and certainly not with the same instantaneity and precision as with a Pirlo on the pitch. In fact, Marco Verratti – who is a slightly different player to Pirlo still – would be the one player that could most successfully bridge the gap between Pogba’s athleticism and Pirlo’s passing range for a Juventus bound to be without its Italian maestro sooner rather than later.

[Socrates 7981]

Mancini would love to have Pirlo at Galatasaray

Nov 19, 2013

Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has hinted that his side could make a move for Andrea Pirlo, whose Juventus contract is set to expire by the end of the season.

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The sides are set to do battle against each other in the Champions League in Istanbul for the last remaining group qualification spot, a game that will give the former Sampdoria striker the chance to cast his eye over the midfielder.

He told Tuttosport: “Pirlo is a player who can make the difference in any teams. He is certainly a player that I would like in the team and I would struggle not to admit that.”

The former Manchester City coach also warned Juventus that they can expect an intimidating atmosphere when they arrive in Istanbul for the clash but believes they are favourites to progress.

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“I think that Juventus probably have an 80% chance of going through and can go through if they get two good results but they will have to be careful coming here.

“Our fans will be giving the team everything they can.”

[Socrates 7981]

Conte: I'd always give Ballon d'Or to Pirlo

The Bianconeri boss refused to pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
for this year's award, saying only that his veteran playmaker would be a worthy winner.

Nov 23, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte says that he would vote for star midfielder Andrea Pirlo to win the Ballon d'Or every year given the chance.

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The prestigious individual honour has been dominated by Lionel Messi for the past four years but the in-form Cristiano Ronaldo is now thought to be the favourite for the 2013 award.

However, Conte believes that Pirlo, who has never lifted the trophy, would be an even more worthy victor.

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"It is difficult to choose between Messi and Ronaldo, but I would always give the Ballon d'Or to Pirlo," the former Siena boss told Verissimo.

"He is our player and may God keep him safe."

[Socrates 7981]

Buffon voted for golden Pirlo

Nov 25, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon says he voted for Juventus and Italy teammate Andrea Pirlo in this year’s FIFA Golden Ball poll.

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Buffon, as captain of his national side, is entitled to vote and he placed the playmaker at the top of his personal podium.

“I voted for, in order, Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi,” the ‘keeper noted.

Pirlo is currently one of 23 players in contention for the award. That shortlist will be reduced to three names on December 9 and the winner will be announced in January.

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Ballon d’Or 23: Gareth Bale (Wales), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Müller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Özil (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Franck Ribéry (France), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Luis Suárez (Uruguay), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire), Robin Van Persie (Netherlands), Xavi (Spain).

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Pirlo should move to Premier League, says Tardelli

The Juventus midfielder's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season -
with no talks expected until February - and the 59-year-old has backed him to move to England.

Nov 27, 2013

Former Juventus midfielder Marco Tardelli has backed Andrea Pirlo to impress in the Premier League as speculation over his future continues.

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The 34-year-old is currently in the third and final year of his contract with the Bianconeri, with the club confirming that no talks will take place before the end of the January transfer window.

And Tardelli feels Pirlo should test himself against the more physical nature of English football before he reaches the end of his playing career.

"Andrea is special and always decisive," Tardelli told Tuttosport. "It is not only with his free kicks he is good, if he plays well the whole team improves.

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"It’s a complex and personal decision. That said, I would try Andrea in English football … Pirlo is quite famous in those parts."

When asked who would get his vote for the upcoming Fifa Ballon d'Or, Tardelli added: "Pirlo. But I think that Cristiano Ronaldo will win it."

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo suffers knee ligament damage

The Juve playmaker suffered a clash of knees in the meeting with Udinese
and initial reports have suggested that he could miss a month of action.

Dec 2, 2013

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has suffered knee ligament damage, the Serie A club have revealed on Monday.

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The Bianconeri have not indicated how long the 34-year-old could be sidelined, but initial speculation suggests it could be up to a month, ruling him out of the rest of 2013.

A statement on the official club website said: "Andrea Pirlo, who picked up a knock not long after kick-off in yesterday’s fixture between Juventus and Udinese, has undergone medical tests this afternoon.
"The examinations at Turin’s Fornaca Clinic have revealed second-grade damage to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee."

The playmaker was involved in a clash of knees with Udinese midfielder Andrea Lazzari during Antonio Conte's men's 1-0 victory over the Zebrette on Sunday.

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Pirlo suffered the knock after only six minutes and attempted to run off the injury before signalling to the bench that he was unable to continue after 15 minutes.

Juventus' win over Udinese stretched their lead in Italy's top flight to three points courtesy of Fernando Llorente's last-minute winner.

The Bianconeri face Bologna on Friday before a crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray next Tuesday.

[Socrates 7981]

Pirlo has knee ligament damage

Dec 2, 2013

Juventus will be without Andrea Pirlo for the rest of 2013, as he has damaged knee ligaments.

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The midfielder limped off just 15 minutes into Sunday’s 1-0 win over Udinese in Turin.

Tests have now confirmed a second degree lesion to the collateral medial ligament in his right knee.

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The Juve medics have not stated how long he will be out for, but an injury of this type usually requires at least a month to heal, possibly two.

It is a heavy blow for the Bianconeri, who are top of the Serie A table and need a point away to Galatasaray in order to qualify for the Champions League knockouts.