Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo says stunning late

Juventus winner was 'desperation'

Dec 1, 2014

Juventus star Andrea Pirlo has said his last-gasp winner against Torino at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday had come "out of desperation."

Only a few seconds of the Derby della Mole remained when the ball fell to Pirlo more than 25 yards out and he smashed home the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.

"I was following the move and [Arturo] Vidal did well to see me, and then I just shot out of desperation and it went in," he told reporters. "What a way to win -- in the last seconds with 10 men [after full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner was sent of]. What a joy for the fans.

"This gives continuity to our results and that is the most important thing, but if it happens in the way it happened tonight then that makes it even better."

Vidal said only Italy international Pirlo, for whom the goal was the third of the season, could have scored from such a position.

"He's an incredible player," he said. "Andrea did everything -- all I did was give him the ball. It was a long way from goal, and only he could have put it in."

Vidal later published a Tweet saying 'Andrea is bianconero...I'm bianconero...Torino is bianconeraaa!!!' while Giorgio Chiellini's message on the social network was 'Come on!!!! What bliss!!! This is the way forwards!!!!'

Arturo Vidal ✔ @kingarturo23
Andrea é bianconero...Io sono bianconero. ..Torino é bianconeraaaa!!!

Coach Massimiliano Allegri also took to Twitter to express his delight and voice his admiration for Pirlo.

"A big 'double phew' this time: delighted for the fans, to whom this derby means so much. It was an even game, decided by a champion," he wrote.

Massimiliano Allegri ✔ @OfficialAllegri
Un bel #doppiofiuuu questa volta: felicissimo per i tifosi, che ci tengono tantissimo a un derby. Partita equilibrata,risolta da un campione

Allegri walked to the dressing room punching the air after Pirlo's strike, but added that he felt for his opposite number, Giampiero Ventura.

"Torino caused us problems in the second half and it became difficult for us once they equalised, but we were chickens the way we conceded -- you can't just watch as somebody runs 80 yards with the ball at his feet," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"But my lads believed in it to the end and this win is payback for the Genoa defeat [another last-minute decider]. Maybe a draw would have been a fairer result, but then we deserved to win in Genoa."

Ventura became embroiled in controversy when he responded to comments from a fan sitting near the bench by making a 'cut-throat' gesture, for which he later apologised.

"If I could go back in time, I wouldn't do it again," he told Sky. "But fans can't insult the players after 90 minutes in which they gave everything. It annoys me. Somebody like that does not even deserve to come to the stadium.

"But of course there's some disappointment. I try to teach 19 and 20-year-olds how to behave, and then for just five seconds of anger... I'm sorry."

[Socrates 7971]

Llorente: Pirlo one of the all-time greats

The Spaniard says that not only is the Italy international a class act
on the field, he is also a "marvellous" character off it.

Dec 4, 2014

Fernando Llorente has hailed Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo as one of the greatest playmakers in history following the veteran midfielder's heroics in Sunday's derby win over Torino.

The Bianconeri looked set to drop points at home for the first time in 25 Serie A matches when Stephan Lichtsteiner was dismissed with the game tied at one goal apiece.

However, with just eight seconds of injury time remaining, Pirlo found the bottom corner with a stunning strike from distance to send Juve's players and fans alike into ecstasy.

"This kind of win gives you such a boost and I enjoyed a lovely Monday," Llorente told Mediaset. "The derby was a difficult match in which we luckily managed to claim all three points.

"We played well and even with 10 men we went for the win because, at Juventus, we always believe in ourselves.

"It's one of the secrets of our success. Compliments also to Torino, who gave us more problems than any other team until now.

"Honestly, I was thinking that it would be an impossible game to win but instead Pirlo produced a miracle.

"He's an introverted guy but also a marvellous one for those who know him well.

"In his role he is one of the greatest in history."

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo: Juventus not among Champions League favourites

The experienced midfielder thinks the Serie A champions face a tough
task in Europe, while he is not thinking about retiring just yet.

Dec 15, 2014

Andrea Pirlo feels Juventus fully deserved to reach the Champions League knockout stages, but is adamant that they should not be considered among the favourites to win the competition.

The Serie A titleholders finished as runners-up to Atletico Madrid in Group A, after overcoming a slow start to their campaign, yet Pirlo is playing down the Bianconeri's hopes of going all the way.

"It was very important for us to make it out of the group stages. If you take all the games into account, we deserved to progress," the Italy international told BeIn Sports.

"We have reached our first objective. We must now battle Europe's finest to win the trophy. The favourites are still Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"I don't have any preference for the draw. In order to become the best, you will have to beat the best."

The 35-year-old then went on to discuss his future at Juventus and stressed that he is keen to continue his playing career.

"I still have a contract for one-and-a-half year," Pirlo stated. "My future is not set in stone. I want to keep on playing and winning things, but it all depends on my fitness."

Pirlo also had his say on Paul Pogba and made it clear the Frenchman has a bright future ahead of him.

"Pogba will do everything within his power to become a true great," the playmaker added. "It all depends on himself and on his personal motivation. He has to listen to the people giving him advice."

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo wins third-straight
Serie A Player of the Year award

Dec 16, 2014

Andrea Pirlo added the latest accolade to his collection on Monday night when he was voted as the best player in Serie A last season by his fellow professionals.

Pirlo, 35, picked up the Italian Professional Footballers' Association (AIC) award for the third year running, making it onto the best team selection once again for his part in Juventus' third straight scudetto triumph in 2013-14.

"It's always a great pleasure to win this award," Pirlo said during a gala evening in Milan. "It means that I've done well and that I am maintaining myself at the highest level. I'd like to thank all of my colleagues who have voted for me. I'm very honoured."

The Italy international is the oldest player to win the award, which he has claimed in all three of his seasons since joining Juventus from AC Milan. He joins Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the only other player to have won the award three times.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Juve reign at Monday night's Gran Galà del Calcio awards. Seven Bianconeri awarded

Pirlo also took his place on the best team from 2013-14 alongside six of his Juventus teammates -- Gianluigi Buffon, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrea Barzagli, Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez -- while Antonio Conte, now in charge of Italy, was named the best coach for leading the Bianconeri to a third straight Serie A title last term.

"It was a fantastic journey which brought me to becoming national team coach," said Conte. "It was an extraordinary journey with these lads, to whom I owe everything."

Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Medhi Benatia (Roma, now at Bayern Munich) Matteo Darmian (Torino) and Ciro Immobile (Torino, now at Borussia Dortmund) were the only non-Juventus players to make it onto the best team.

Melania Gabbiadini, sister of Sampdoria and Italy forward Manolo, won the prize for best female player while Nicola Rizzoli was elected the best referee.

Empoli's Daniele Rugani picked up the prize for the best young player in Serie B.

"Playing for Juventus would be amazing, but I need to be calm and concentrate on the present," said the 20-year-old. "Right now, I'm focusing on Empoli. My future's not something I think of much."

[Socrates 7971]

Juninho: 'Pirlo a free kick artist'

Dec 29, 2014

Juninho Pernambucano assured Andrea Pirlo is “the professor, an artist of the free kick who deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

The Brazilian remains one of the greatest free kick specialists of all time and spoke to Tuttosport about the current crop.

“Pirlo is a reference point for all free kick takers,” Juninho told Tuttosport.

“He is a professor, an artist of the free kick who has reached the top. I am not surprised that Leo Messi studies his set pieces.

“Andrea is the one all the world looks to. It would only be right if before the end of his career he could lift the Ballon d’Or. He deserves it.”

Juninho used to train with his former Lyon teammate Miralem Pjanic, who is now scoring regularly for Roma.

“Pjanic is still young, but can improve so much. We used to spend a long time practising together, so I expect him to become more decisive in free kicks from a wider angle too.”

Juninho named Clement Grenier of Lyon, Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Roma captain Francesco Totti as his other favourite free kick takers.

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo Enters Fight To Save Brescia

Jan 18, 2015

Juventus’ midfielder Andrea Pirlo has insisted that he is truly concerned about the future of Serie B side Brescia, who have dire financial problems.

The Biancoazzurri are on the verge of declaring bankruptcy and Pirlo, who is a product of the club’s youth system, has emerged as a main initiator in the fight to prevent that.

“I care about the future of Brescia, a club with which I have a deep emotional bond and for which I have great gratitude,” Pirlo told Il Giornale di Brescia.

“I am suffering so much seeing the team I cheer on in such dire conditions.

“I spoke to important people, those who really mean something in this fight.”

The 35-year-old veteran made it clear, however, that he will not be one of the potential investors who would provide money for the cause.

“My involvement will not go beyond urging local businessmen to make a genuine intervention to save the club,” he said.

Pirlo made 42 appearances and scored four goals for the Biancoazzurri between the years 1996 and 1998.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo: ‘Istanbul? I almost quit’

Feb 16, 2015

Andrea Pirlo reveals that after the Champions League Final lost to Liverpool in 2005 he 'felt like quitting', whilst he talks of Juventus in Europe today.

The Metronomo Bresciano holds two Champions League titles to his name, but famously lost the 2005 edition in Istanbul, when the Reds managed to wipe out a 3-0 lead by the Rossoneri and take the game into penalties.

“That night I learnt that destiny in football can be very whimsical,” he said, in a long interview with ABC.

“Not only did they draw level from a 3-0 deficit in seven minutes, but [goalkeeper Jerzy] Dudek blocked a killer shot by [Andriy] Shevchenko in the box with his eyes closed.

“There are things you just can't fight against. After that game I felt like quitting football.

“Fortunately, two years later this blessed sport returned to us in Athens what was taken from us in Istanbul. Winning my second Champions League was special.

“That being said, Kaká's Ballon d'Or in 2007 was not mine to pass. He achieved it by his own merits.

“That prize will always go to a player who scores, one who makes the difference. Kaká did that in his day, the way that Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi are doing it now.

“If Xavi or [Andres] Iniesta never won it, I don't think I deserve it either.

“But Paul Pogba could be the future of Juventus. He has it all: physique, technique and an eye for the goal. He is perfect. He can mark an era.”

In spite of having the Frenchman and himself in the midfield, however, Pirlo's Bianconeri have struggled in the Champions League. The Italian international was not sure how to explain this.

“It isn't a simple question. In the Champions League there are many factors that come into play: chance, the right physical condition at the right time, the match-ups...

“That's why winning a Champions League is so hard. The knock-out round against Borussia [Dortmund on February 24] will tell us what we're truly made of.

“But if we make it to the next game, I'd rather not cross paths with [Real] Madrid. I only want to encounter them in the final.”

The 35-year-old also looked back on his much-discussed transfer from Milan to Juventus in 2011.

“After a decade with Milan I needed a change of scenes. My career called for new incentives. Something inside me wasn't working. I had bad feelings.

“Milan were going through a very rough patch and my body was asking me to return to victory, to be in a team that had aspirations in every field.

“That's when Juventus came along. It was the best thing that could have happened. We won the Scudetto three times in a row and we're on the path to winning the fourth.”

But Pirlo denied all rumours that his current Coach Max Allegri had anything to do with his departure from il Diavolo.

“That's a lie. Neither Allegri nor anyone else in Milan was responsible for my decision to leave.

“It was my own choice. I needed to get out of there to prove to myself, as well as to my fans, that I was still capable of playing football.”

[Socrates 7971]

I'm a student of free-kicks - Pirlo

The veteran is often lauded as a master of the set-piece art but remains
keen to further hone his ability from dead ball situations.

Feb 22, 2015

Juventus star Andrea Pirlo has described himself as a student of free-kick taking and says he can still improve his quality from set-pieces.

The 35-year-old is widely acknowledged as one of the best free-kick takers in world football after mastering the knuckle ball-style execution made famous by former Brazil midfielder Juninho Pernambucano.

Pirlo scored a stunning goal from open play as Juventus beat Atalanta 2-1 on Friday night, but remains modest over his ability to produce the spectacular from dead ball situations.

He told La Stampa: "When it comes to free-kicks, I am not a maestro, but a student, because in life there is always something new to learn.”

The former Italy international signed a contract extension until June 2016 having originally joined the club on a free transfer after leaving AC Milan in 2011.

He has since gone on to win Serie A three times with the Bianconeri and looks set to add another title to his resume as Juve sit nine points clear at the top of the table.

But while he has enjoyed great domestic success in Turin, Pirlo has been unable to add another Champions League crown to the two he won during his time with Milan and he admits he wants to taste European success again before retiring.

"I came to Juve in order to win and we achieved that. I am very happy, but now we must make the next step up the ladder,” he said. I’d like to win another Champions League before retiring.

Regarding the club's upcoming last-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund, Pirlo added: "We will not fall into the trap of confusing Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga status with their real quality. You cannot underestimate a match like this.”

His future beyond his current deal remains uncertain but despite being in his mid-30s the former Milan man retains the desire to continue playing. "When it feels like a chore to come to training , I will be the first to raise my hand and say that’s enough, I quit. However, that moment is not now.”

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo Injury: Updates on
Juventus Star's Calf and Return

Feb 24, 2015

Juventus' bid to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League took a big blow on Tuesday night, as veteran midfield-wizard Andrea Pirlo was forced to leave the pitch during the first half of their match against Borussia Dortmund with a calfinjury.

Argentinian midfielder Roberto Pereyra was his replacement, per the club's official Twitter account:

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Juventus substitution: #Pereyra replaces @Pirlo_official on 36 minutes. #JuveBVB 1-1 #UCL

Juventus provided comments from Max Allegri, who confirmed it was a calf injury:

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We hope it's nothing serious with Pirlo. He came off with a calf problem and will be checked over tomorrow morning"

The 35-year-old Italian is enjoying another fine season with the Bianconeri, distributing the ball from a central role like only he can. After some initial struggles under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, the veteran resumed his role as spiritual leader of the squad, scoring a handful of vital goals.

As if losing Pirlo for the remainder of their first-leg match against Die Schwarzgelben isn't enough, the Italian champions will meet their closest competitors for the Serie A title on Monday, as AS Roma play host to the Bianconeri.

Pirlo isn't one to leave the pitch easily, and given his advanced age, Juventus fans should fear the worst for his availability in the vital matches the club faces in the coming weeks.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo out for a month?

Feb 25, 2015

Juventus will evaluate the condition of Andrea Pirlo today, with fears the midfielder could be out for a month.

The Italian international went off during last night’s win over Borussia Dortmund, struggling with a calf injury.

According to Tuttosport, with Pirlo having suffered a similar type of injury in the past, there are fears that the Bianconeri could be without him for the next month.

That would see the World Cup winner miss crucial games away to Roma and Borussia Dortmund, and would leave him in doubt for a potential Champions League quarter final should the Old Lady complete the job in Germany.

“He went off with a calf problem,” Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri said after the game.

“We’ll evaluate it tomorrow morning, hopefully it’s nothing serious.”

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo out for three weeks

Feb 26, 2015

Juventus will be without Andrea Pirlo for the Champions League return with Borussia Dortmund, as he’s out for three weeks.

The Italian international was subsituted during the 2-1 win over the German side on Tuesday with a calf injury and was assessed this morning.

“The tests showed first degree strain of both medial heads in the right leg,” The Bianconeri confirmed on their official website.

“The prognosis for a complete recovery is 20 days.”

A first degree strain causes pain, but involves only micro-tearing of the fibres in the muscle, meaning that Pirlo will recover in three weeks, rather than several months.

The return leg with Dortmund takes place on March 18, two weeks on Wednesday.

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo's Injury Could Be a Net Benefit for Juventus

Feb 27, 2015

Andrea Pirlo is as legendary a player as they come in Italian soccer. He is a two-time Champions League winner, five-time Italian champion, a hero of the 2006 World Cup victory, has the fourth most caps in the history of the national team and is the only player who isn't a defender or goalkeeper to be honored as a centurion.

While he made his name at AC Milan, his name will go down just as permanently in Juventus' lore. His arrival in tandem with manager Antonio Conte ended the club's post-Calciopoli doldrums and catapulted the team back to the top of Serie A.

It would be reasonable, then, for Juve fans to be severely concerned about his impending absence. The team's official website (h/t Football Italia) confirmed that he will miss three weeks after suffering a calf injury in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Given the fixtures facing the team in the next three weeks—a potential title decider in Rome, a grudge match against rivals Fiorentina and the return leg in Dortmund—Pirlo's vision and passing prowess will likely be missed. There is, however, a silver lining in this unfortunate circumstance. Indeed, L'architetto's absence may even help the Bianconeri.

The book on Pirlo is that sustained pressure will deny the ability to work his magic. In 2010, Alex Ferguson sticked Park Ji-Sung on Pirlo as a man-marker. Without the time and space to unleash his passes, Pirlo was neutralized, and in turn so was Milan's attack.

This strategy is Dortmund's default against any opponent. They press hard in midfield to force the team to force the mids into rushed passes and mistakes. It's Pirlo's worst nightmare, and he was forced into several uncharacteristic errors before he was withdrawn. To his credit, he responded by pressing right back and regained possession on a few occasions.

Pereyra's introduction forced some juggling in the midfield. Claudio Marchisio moved from the flank of the diamond formed by the 4-3-1-2 formation to the regista position normally occupied by Pirlo. Arturo Vidal, originally deployed as trequartista, moved farther back and his place was taken by Pereyra.

These changes had a profound effect on the team. Their play became far more direct. Pereyra used his pace and dribbling ability well behind the strikers and was more effective at linking with Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez. He very nearly sealed the tie late on when a shot across the face of goal ghosted past the post.

In moving farther back, Vidal was made more effective. He has always been a poor fit for the trequartista role, and it showed in his performance against Dortmund. He gave the ball away on several occasions and committed more than a few fouls. When dropped back into the midfield, his game improved. Allowed to play his natural position, he was less restricted and could use his defensive skill and endurance to greater effect.

Juve benefits with Pereyra, the much more suited player, playing in the hole behind the strikers and Vidal playing his regular role as a box-to-box midfielder. Marchisio is a world-class player in his own right and has quietly become a great alternative to the regista position. He doesn't share Pirlo's ability to drop a 60-yard pass on a dime in a snow storm, but he can make the passes he needs to and plays the position with greater pace than the older man—a key to breaking Dortmund's press.

The other potential benefit of Pirlo's injury comes from the move down the depth chart. With Pereyra in the starting lineup, a place opens up for youngster Stefano Sturaro as the first midfielder off the bench.

Sturaro was purchased from Genoa in the summer and immediately loaned back to the Griffone. Faced with potential depth problems in midfield the Bianconeri recalled him early this January. The only other player on the squad who can play in the midfield is Simone Padoin—but Sturaro is already the better option.

The 21-year-old is a midfield bruiser in the mold of Gennaro Gattuso, and is a future fixture in the team's midfield. To get a potential baptism of fire in big fixtures as a reserve could be a major spur in his development.

Pirlo's absence is always difficult to bear. But now his injury could force Massimiliano Allegri to make moves that, if Pirlo were healthy, would be extraordinarily difficult but in the current situation are both obvious and beneficial.

This is especially so against Dortmund, where Pereyra's presence and the realignment that comes with it might be the key to breaking Jurgen Klopp's press and preserve their advantage in the second leg. Pirlo is a key part of any team, but in this particular case, his absence may just force the squad to grow.

[Socrates 7971]

Allegri: Pirlo to return against Dortmund

The Juve coach expects the midfielder to be fit for the upcoming European
encounter, while stressing his team must improve against lesser opposition.

Mar 4, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is hopeful Andrea Pirlo will be match-fit in time for their Champions League last-16 second leg at Borussia Dortmund .

The experienced midfielder picked up a knock in the first leg of the encounter and consequently missed the Serie A draw with Roma.

He will also miss Thursday's Coppa Italia semi-final first leg with Fiorentina and is expected to watch from the sidelines for upcoming league matches against Sassuolo and Palermo.

Nevertheless, Allegri thinks Pirlo will be raring to go again on March 18 when Juventus defend a 2-1 lead at Signal Iduna Park.

"I hope to have Pirlo back for the game against Borussia Dortmund," Allegri said at a press conference. "We want to get through to the next round in the Champions League."

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo trying to gain full fitness
for Juventus' trip to Borussia Dortmund

Mar 13, 2015

It was always going to be a close call as to whether Juventus maestro Andrea Pirlo would be healthy and ready to go for the bianconeri's second leg against Borussia Dortmund in mid-March. Just because of how the fixture list is setup and the amount time in between each Champions League game against Dortmund, Pirlo would have to be right on point to even have a chance to play in Germany come March 18.

That being said, there may be a Pirlo sighting in the near future, folks.

According to both La Stampa and Tuttosport on Friday, Pirlo is pain free and hoping to be ready for selection in Juve's most important game of the season to date on Tuesday night in Germany. Pirlo has been out ever since Juve's first-leg win over Dortmund on Feb. 24 when he had to be replaced by Roberto Pereyra after just 37 minutes because of injury.

Will he actually be ready?

Max Allegri had this to say about the matter at his pre-match press conference in the lead up to Saturday's Serie A match against Palermo.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We're assessing Pirlo_official on a daily basis and will hope to have him back for Borussia-Juve."

Okay, so that's about as much of an Allegri answer we've come to expect from the Juventus manager without an actual answer being given. Way to go, Max, you've mastered the non-answer game to the highest degree.

It's understandable that Allegri isn't going to declare anything right now based on 1) Keeping Borussia Dortmund on their toes about how healthy he truly is; and 2) Pirlo could very well be a last-minute decision at Juve's final training session before they play in Germany on Tuesday.

No matter what, though, because just a few days remain before Juventus tries to close out the Dortmund tie, we'll have an answer about Pirlo's health status sooner rather than later.

[Socrates 7971]

I nearly quit football in 2005 - Pirlo

The veteran player has spoken of the day he contemplated ending his career
nearly 10 years ago, when AC Milan capitulated in the Champions League final.

Mar 13, 2015

Andrea Pirlo has revealed how he nearly quit football following AC Milan's Champions League defeat to Liverpool in 2005.

The midfielder was part of the Milan side who led 3-0 at half-time in the final, only for the Reds to score three goals in the second half and take the game into extra-time.

Pirlo saw his penalty saved by Jerzy Dudek while Andriy Shevchencko also missed his spot kick as Liverpool won the match on penalties, leaving the Italian distraught.

"The day I leave football is far away," he told Tuttosport . "But once the idea of quitting crossed my mind.

"It was after the defeat of AC Milan in the Champions League final with Liverpool in Istanbul. For some days I really thought it was over. I had no strength left."

The 35-year-old did, of course, opt to play on and has since gone on to become one of the game's most revered playmakers.

Pirlo won the World Cup the following year, lifted the Champions League with Milan in 2007 then left San Siro for Juventus in 2011, where he has won Serie A in every season since his arrival.

"I always knew I was good," he added. "I was better than the others. I was never worried about the pressures of being tipped to make it either. In fact, that gave me an even greater sense of responsibility. Knowing I was talented made me want to improve every day.

"It's my life; it's what I always wanted to do and want to do. It's been occupying my days for 20 years, in good and in bad, and it taught me my place on earth.

"I've learned lots, obviously - the first thing being never to forget to be grateful. The second is not to bear grudges because in football luck does not exist.

"You can be lucky for a few years, but in the end your defects will emerge. The reality is different. People are watching you and those who know how to play will progress, while those who don't will remain in the lower levels."

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo returns for Dortmund?

Mar 13, 2015

Andrea Pirlo will reportedly be fit to return for Juventus in Wednesday’s Champions League second leg.

It was revealed this week that the midfielder, who is battling a thigh injury, would undergo tests to see whether he’d be able to make the trip to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund.

This morning La Stampa reports that the Italian international has come through those tests, and should be in contention to play at Westfalenstadion.

The newspaper reports that Pirlo has no pain from his injury, and is now just attempting to demonstrate that his fitness is at the proper level to play in the match.

It’s not thought that the former Milan man will play any part in tomorrow’s trip to Palermo, but it looks increasingly likely the regista will play some part in the Champions League Last 16 clash.

Tuttosport echoes these reports, claiming that Pirlo told his teammates, ‘I’ll be there’ in regard to the Dortmund game.

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo Is Still Great but
Should Sit out vs. Borussia Dortmund

Mar 15, 2015

There is little doubting the absolute quality of Andrea Pirlo, the Juventus midfielder having proved his ability repeatedly and consistently for over a decade. The wider English press may have only finally woken up to his genius when his chipped penalty at Euro 2012 embarrassed Joe Hart, but the rest of the world had been fully aware of the Italy international for many years.

First coming to prominence during a loan spell at Brescia, it was there—alongside Roberto Baggio—where he first moved into the deep-lying playmaker role with which he is now synonymous. That continued after Internazionale inexplicably allowed him to move across town to AC Milan, and he played an instrumental role in delivering two Champions League titles to the red-and-black half of San Siro.

If their city rivals made a mistake back when Pirlo was a youngster, it pales into insignificance compared to the grave error committed by the Rossoneri in the summer of 2011. He was 32 years old and had been on a poor run of form despite the club lifting the league title, but allowing him to leave on a free transfer was a borderline criminal offence by Milan.

Juventus could scarcely believe their luck, with Gigi Buffon perhaps best summing up the thoughts of every one of a Bianconeri persuasion. "When Andrea told me he was coming to Juventus, my first thought was 'thank goodness,'" the goalkeeper explained to reporters (h/t Mark Doyle of Yahoo Sport). "Then when I saw him play I thought: ‘There is a God!’ His footballing skills are out of this world."

Still possessing that wonderful ability to see passes other players simply cannot, his competitive career with Juve was just 17 minutes old when his vision led to him picking out Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss full-back converted, netting the first goal at Juventus Stadium, and Pirlo had notched his first assist with his new club.

Twelve more would follow that season alone, and he has racked up a further 18 in all competitions since, and despite continuing injury problems, Pirlo is also enjoying a fine 2014-15 campaign. According to statistics from WhoScored.com, he is averaging 76.2 passes per game, a mark bettered only by Mirko Valdifiori of Empoli, completing 89.1 per cent of those efforts.

The same source shows that both figures are better than last season's, and yet there is a strong case to be made for leaving him out of the return match with Borussia Dortmund. Pirlo’s playing style is ill-suited to the constant pressing and high-energy defensive approach of the German side, and his inclusion could prove costly for the Bianconeri.

It was something seen briefly in the first leg, in which the Azzurri star managed 37 minutes of the encounter, limping off injured with the calf injury that has kept him out of action since. A report from La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) says that the player faces a fitness test and may return on Wednesday, but that could actually hinder Juventus.

The side looked much better when he was replaced by Roberto Pereyra, the Argentinian much better suited to both Jurgen Klopp’s defensive tactics and Juve’s counter-attacking pace. That is an opinion shared by Nuri Sahin, with the Turkey international telling Kicker (h/t Goal.com) that he believed Pirlo’s absence improved the Bianconeri:

I do not want to be disrespectful in any way, but I would have preferred it had Pirlo not gotten injured. But we had come up with a clear plan on how we were going to fight a team containing Pirlo and this plan worked superbly until he was forced off.

Maybe we somehow thought Juventus would not find an answer to our game plan any more after Pirlo was gone. They had to come up with a solution without Pirlo and that paid off for them.

On the evidence that followed—the Bianconeri running out 2-1 winners—it is hard to argue. Sahin added another undeniable truth, saying that "Pirlo is a true great, though, and will forever remain a legend."

He certainly will, and this is no reflection on his overall performances or an idea that his influence is waning in any way, but perhaps it might be better if the legend is given Wednesday evening off.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo returns for Juventus

Mar 30, 2015

Andrea Pirlo is set to return to Juventus training this afternoon, after recovering from a thigh injury.

The regista had attempted to return for the Champions League Last 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund, but was not deemed ready by medical staff.

After a weekend off, those Juventus players not called-up by their national teams will resume training at Vinovo this afternoon, and Calciomercato believes Pirlo will take part.

The 35-year-old has been following a personalised training regimen as he works his way back to fitness, but looks set to resume training with his teammates today.

[Socrates 7971]

Tevez Wants Pirlo To Join Him At Boca Juniors

Apr 18, 2015

Carlos Tevez has made no secret of his desire to end his career at hometown club Boca Juniors, and the Juventus striker is also trying to convince teammate Andrea Pirlo to join him in Argentina.

The 35-year-old has been fundamental to the Bianconeri’s three successive Serie A titles since arriving from AC Milan.

According to Tuttosport Juventus will not throw money at a player clearly approaching the latter stages of his career, but are confident they can retain the veteran midfielder and keep him out of the clutches of the Buenos Aires giants.

The 2006 World Cup winner has made 114 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri and netted 14 goals, and looks set to secure the sixth Scudetto of his Serie A career this term.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo: 'Juventus farewell, if...'

May 4, 2015

Andrea Pirlo opens to the possibility of leaving Juventus should he win the Champions League, but confirms they will be 'his last team in Italy'.

The Italian maestro released a long interview to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in which he allowed for the weight of his 35 years, but said he'd like to go on playing.

“Ending my Juventus story by pocketing the Champions League would be a dream come true,” Pirlo has said ahead of his side's semi-final first leg with Real Madrid.

“But I won't stop playing, I'll go on as long as I have the same great desire to keep training every day.

“Winning this tournament would admittedly be the best way to close [my Juve career]. But I wouldn't go to another Italian team.

“Juventus will be my last Serie A team, whatever happens. MLS could be an idea, but for the moment I don't have anything, Juve are the only thing on my mind.

“Anyway let's start by winning the Champions League, everything else comes later...”

The world champion was then asked whether he expected such a successful Old Lady after the departure of Antonio Conte.

“I was not surprised. When we kicked off the season we looked each other in the eyes and we all wanted to show how strong our team was.

“We wanted to prove we were real champions and simultaneously we wished to vindicate the club's choice in terms of their new Coach.

“As for Conte's statements that you can't win a Champions League with an Italian club, everyone has his opinions and I respect that. He made his own decisions. In any case we're hoping to win.

“The players I like the most? Xavi and Iniesta, who have sublime quality and they only think about the team. My greatest idol? Roberto Baggio.

“Carlos Tevez? He's an extraordinary player, we're privileged to have him with us and I hope he'll stay with us next year too.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus Target Xabi Alonso Should Pirlo Join Liverpool

May 16, 2015

Juventus are being linked with a surprise move for Bayern Munich’s Xabi Alonso should Andrea Pirlo leave the club in the summer.

The 35-year-old Italian has said that he will walk away from the Bianconeri if they win the Champions League, and with the team in the final, it could become a real possibility.

Now, according to the Daily Express, Liverpool are keen to offer Pirlo a contract in he decides to leave the Juventus Stadium, and as a result, the Turin club are said to be considering Alonso as a potential replacement.

Alonso has made 24 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern as they took their third title in a row.

[Socrates 7971]

Xavi Admires Long Time Andrea Pirlo

May 22, 2015

Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez complimented Juventus midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo, calling the Italian international the most talented player he’s ever faced.

The two legendary midfielders will square off on June 6 in Berlin as their respective clubs battle to lift the Champions League trophy.

“I have faced Pirlo for 16-17 years now and have always admired his style of play,” Xavi stated at a press conference announcing his move to Qatari club Al Sadd for a three-year contract at the end of the season.

The 35-year old Spaniard who, like Pirlo, has tasted the pinnacle of success for both club and country, winning league titles, Champions League medals and lifting the World Cup trophy, will face the Juventus play-maker for the last time in Berlin and hopes Pirlo continues playing.

“He said if he wins the Champions League he will retire, so I hope to not let him quit,” Xavi added.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo Mulling Juventus Exit And New York City FC Move

May 24, 2015

Andrea Pirlo is reportedly thinking about leaving Juventus this summer regardless of whether or not they win the Champions League.

The 36-year-old had said that if the Bianconeri emerge victorious against Barcelona on June 6, he will move on from the Juventus Stadium. A statement which he later said was a joke.

Now, according to Sky Sport Italia, Pirlo is mulling over a summer move to MLS with New York City FC heading the queue for his signature.

The former AC Milan midfielder joined Juventus in 2011 and has gone on to win four Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.

Pirlo’s contract with Juve ends in June 2017.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo accepts MLS offer?

Jun 3, 2015

Spanish media claim that Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has accepted an offer from MLS side New York City FC.

AS claims that Saturday’s Champions League final against Barcelona will be the 36-year-old’s final game for the Old Lady before a move to the USA.

The Spanish newspaper claims that the MLS side turned to Pirlo after Xavi turned them down in favour of a move to Qatari side Al-Sadd.

Pirlo has been strongly linked with a move away from Turin this summer and the Bianconeri have already begun reinforcing their midfield with the expected signing of Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira.

The playmaker spoke on Monday of how he believes Barca are favourites for Saturday’s final, which he described as “a unique and special game”.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo: MLS move a possibility if
Juventus win the Champions League

The veteran midfielder says the Bianconeri will be his last Italian club
and admits losing the 2005 final was one of the worst feelings of his life.

Jun 5, 2015

Andrea Pirlo says he could head off for a career-ending stint in another country if he wins the Champions League with Juventus on Saturday, with a period in America’s Major League Soccer a real possibility.

The Italy midfielder, who already has two Champions League medals under his belt from his 10-year spell with AC Milan, will line up for the Bianconeri against Barcelona in Berlin in this season's showpiece.

But Pirlo admits it may be his final act in European football if he gets his hands on the prized trophy for a third time.

"If we win it I might move abroad because Juventus will be my last team in Italy," Pirlo told the Times of India. "MLS could be an idea, but for the moment I don't have any thoughts about it; Juve is the only thing on my mind.

"But I won't stop playing, I'll go on as long as I have the same great desire to keep training every day."

The 36-year-old might have plenty of experience, having also made 119 appearances for Italy during his storied career, but he insists that games like Saturday's are an entirely new prospect even to him.

"This is my fourth final, but it doesn't matter. Such a final is always a unique and special game, and it's always different," he added. "We all at Juve know what we have to do. Barcelona are favourites, but anything can happen in football.

"I know what it is like to win a Champions League final, but I also know what it is like to lose one. The loss in Istanbul against Liverpool in 2005 is not just one of the worst feelings in my career, but in my life.

"I will think about that before Saturday, and I will use that feeling as an inspiration because I never want to feel like that after a game again.

"I hope this winning cycle will end with a Champions League triumph for me. It will be a dream end for my spell here at Juventus and a great day for everybody at the club."

Pirlo also believes team-mate Paul Pogba has everything it takes to be a real star regardless of whether he remains with Juventus in the longer term.

"I don't know if he will stay or leave, but if Paul carries on the way he is then he will become the greatest midfield player in Europe and at his age he could keep that title for a long time."