Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 8868]

Pirlo: My penalty unsettled England

The Juventus midfielder explained why he went for an audacious chip

and refused to rule out the possibility of Italy going all the way in the tournament.

Jun 24, 2012

Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo believes that his audacious 'Panenka' penalty "put more pressure" on England's players in Sunday's Euro 2012 quarter-final clash.

The Azzurri were losing 2-1 in the penalty shoot-out after Riccardo Montolivo had missed his attempt when Pirlo chipped the ball straight into the middle of the net as England goalkeeper Joe Hart dived to his right.

Ashley Young and Ashley Cole then missed from the spot, allowing Italy to win 4-2 in the shoot-out, and Pirlo hinted that his penalty changed the game.

"Joe Hart was doing some strange movements, so when he dived I decided to take it like that and it went well," the Juventus midfielder told Rai Sport.

"It put a bit of pressure on their takers and in fact Ashley Young missed his penalty after that.

"England did not create any chances during the match. They played for the penalty shoot-out, while we wanted to win.

"We knew we could dominate the match, and all that England did was defend. We used up more energy than we expected, but we were able to win the match."

Pirlo's Juventus team-mate Gianluigi Buffon also commented on the nerve-wracking quarter-final, and admitted that despite Italy's dominance, he was dreading an England victory from 12 yards.

"It is clear that I feared an upset, in the penalty shoot-out you can be lucky and win or unlucky and lose. With regards to the 120 minutes of action, we deserved the victory, we created more chances than them," the goalkeeper pointed out.

"After Montolivo missed his penalty, I only thought that I should save as many as possible, because my team-mates deserved to win the match, and so did I."

For Daniele De Rossi, who was forced off through injury, Pirlo's shoot-out heroics were the highlight of a tense match on Sunday evening.

"Pirlo's penalty? It has been many years since I saw one this beautiful. It reminded me of Totti's penalty against Netherlands in 2000," he said.

Alessandro Diamanti, meanwhile, agreed with Pirlo that his side were more than worthy victors.

"Justice was done, we played better than England. We controlled the match from the first minute," he claimed, adding that the only thing running through his mind in the shoot-out was marking a goal with his goalkeeper.

"I did not think anything while I was taking my penalty, I only thought about scoring and go to Buffon and celebrate with him."

Italy will now take on Germany in their semi-final clash, which will be played on Thursday in Warsaw. Pirlo had the last word as he asserted that, from this point forward, anything was possible.

"At this stage of the tournament we should not rule anything out, that is the reason we are here," he added.

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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.

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

Pirlo is unique, underlines Materazzi

Jun 28, 2012

Pescara starlet Marco Verratti is not the new Andrea Pirlo.

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.”

[Socrates 8868]

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.

[Socrates 8868]

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.

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Ramos: 'Pirlo is unique'

Jun 30, 2012

Sergio Ramos hailed “unique” Andrea Pirlo, but trusts Spain can make history in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 Final.

These sides met in the first game of their groups for a 1-1 draw on June 10 and come back together in Kiev on Sunday night.

“It is always good to know more on your opponents. As we faced Italy in the group phase, that is handy,” said Sergio Ramos.

“We know their strengths, just as we know their weaknesses. Pirlo is a unique player and one of Italy’s leaders. However, we must be wary of everyone and not just one individual. They reached the Final thanks to their team performances.”

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Pirlo believes in Prandelli’s Italy

Jul 3, 2012

Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is delighted that national boss Cesare Prandelli has opted to continue his adventure with the side.

The tactician signed a four-year contract with the Federation following the 2010 World Cup, but he did consider stepping down after Euro 2012.

“Given what he was saying, it seemed as if he had a few doubts about his future,” the Juventus man told Sky Sport Italia.

“But we all knew that he wanted to create a new squad, with a new brand of football, and it would have been horrible to leave after reaching an unexpected Final.

“Now we are even more sure that we can do well with him.”

The Azzurri finished the championship as runners-up – the 4-0 loss to Spain perhaps taking away some of the shine from their tournament.

“There is bitterness about the Final which we lost badly, but we know that we did all that was possible,” the 33-year-old added. “We were very tired and playing against a great side.

“We played some good football and we went all the way to the last game, but we had a bad day. Spain too, after a few games played below their usual standard, gave it their best and caused us problems.”

The former Milan man had an outstanding tournament where he made a claim to lift the next Ballon d’Or.

“I don’t believe that I can win the Golden Ball,” he admitted. “For as long as there are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and others around, it is right that they win it.”

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Pirlo: 'I can talk to Balotelli'

Jul 3, 2012

Andrea Pirlo reveals he’d “bring Mario Balotelli to Juventus straight away. I know how to talk to him – in Brescia dialect!”

The midfielder was asked on Sky Sport Italia whether he’d support recent rumours Juve are interested in signing Manchester City hitman Balotelli.

“I’d bring Balotelli to Juventus straight away. We have had no problems and I know how to talk to him,” said Pirlo.

“We are both from Brescia and when we are playing for Italy we speak in a tight Brescia dialect.”

Curiously, Pirlo, Balotelli and Coach Cesare Prandelli are all from Brescia.

“There has been no problem dealing with him in the locker room. People need to be close to Balotelli, but at Euro 2012 he behaved very well. I’d happily have him as my teammate in Turin.”

The 33-year-old midfielder was Italy’s star of the tournament and is already looking ahead to the next challenge.

“I hope to have the strength to reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

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Verratti has Pirlo dream

Jul 4, 2012

Pescara star Marco Verratti has admitted that he’d love the opportunity to play alongside idol Andrea Pirlo.

Verratti is being labelled as an heir to the Juventus and Italy player and is liked by the Old Lady of Italian football.

“Alessandro Del Piero was my idol, now that is Pirlo,” the 19-year-old midfielder told La Stampa on Wednesday.

“Could I be his heir? Pirlo is above imitation, he is a unique player and can not be remanufactured,” added the Under-21 international.

“I hope to one day play alongside him as he is the kind of person who could teach me a lot. For now, though, I’m just flattered that I have been likened to him.”

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Pirlo would welcome Balotelli at Juventus

The veteran playmaker explained that the pair speak the same language - literally -

and rubbished claims that the Manchester City striker has a poor attitude.

Jul 4, 2012

Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he would welcome Mario Balotelli at Juventus and dismissed the suggestion that the enigmatic forward would be a disruptive influence in the dressing room.

The Bianconeri's primary summer transfer target is believed to be Arsenal forward Robin van Persie but all of the major Italian dailies claimed last week that Balotelli is now a very real alternative to the Dutchman.

When asked by Sky Sport Italia if he would like to see Balotelli join him in Turin this summer, Pirlo answered unequivocally.

"Of course," the playmaker replied. "We are two Bresciani and we even speak in that dialect when we're with the national team."

When it was put to Pirlo that the arrival of his Italy team-mate at Juventus Stadium could create tension within Antonio Conte's squad, the regista insisted: "There is no problem [with Mario]."

Meanwhile, Pirlo admitted that he hopes that not only will he be a part of the Azzurri's World Cup squad, but also that Cesare Prandelli will still be at the helm.

"I hope to have the strength to get to Brazil 2014," the midfielder confessed. "Prandelli created something new; it would be terrible to see him leave the national team."

Pirlo drew plenty of plaudits for his performances in Poland and Ukraine this summer and it was even suggested that he had propelled himself into contention for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, the 33-year-old believes that such talk is fanciful.

"I believe there is little chance there," he argued. "I think that fun players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi should win it."

Pirlo joined Juve on a free transfer last summer after AC Milan decided against ceding to his request for a new three-year contract.

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Bayern deny making Pirlo offer

Die Roten have quashed rumours they were bidding to sign the veteran Bianconeri

midfielder, after a stunning season of excellent performances for club and Country.

Jul 9, 2012

Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have made an attempt to sign Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

The 33-year-old has rejuvenated his career after starring in Antonio Conte's unbeaten Bianconeri side last season, and also led Italy to the final of Euro 2012 this summer.

However, the Bavarian giants have denied they made any attempts to lure the former Milan man to the Allianz Arena, as has been reported in various Italian media outlets.

"Bayern have neither contacted the player and his advisers, nor made an offer to Juventus," a statement from CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge read on the club's official website.

Pirlo played in 37 Serie A games for Juventus last season, scoring three goals. He joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer last summer after a decade of service at AC Milan.

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Ancelotti denies Paris Saint-Germain interest in Pirlo and Van Persie

The Italian insists the pair are not on the Parisians' shopping list this summer,

but did confirm that they are in advanced talks with Pescara over the signing of Marco Verratti.

Jul 9, 2012

Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports linking Paris Saint-Germain with moves for Andrea Pirlo and Robin van Persie.

The French giants have been suggested as a potential destination for the forward, who revealed last week that he will not renew his contract with Arsenal, as the trainer is reportedly keen to increase his attacking options.

The Juventus midfielder, who played under Ancelotti at AC Milan between 2001 and 2009, has also been mooted as a potential target for PSG, but the 53-year-old asserted that neither player is part of his plans.

"Van Persie is not a target of ours, but I think he is for other clubs," he told a press conference.

"Pirlo is an interesting player for any club, but I have had the chance to coach him for eight years and that is enough."

Ancelotti was then questioned about the state of play regarding negotiations between PSG and Pescara for midfield starlet Marco Verratti, who is also being tracked by the Old Lady.

"We have spoken with Pescara, and now we must wait a few days," he added. "I have not spoken with him, I have only watched some of his matches from last season.

"I do not think there will be any problems. If he arrives, we will have two players for every midfield position.

"But he is a very young player, a prospect for the future and an investment, so we could sign one more midfielder."

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Bayern Munich dismiss Pirlo link

Jul 9, 2012

Bayern Munich have distanced themselves from reports that they have made a bid for Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo.

“We have made no offer for him to Juventus,” Bayern President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated. “We haven’t contacted the player or his agent.”

The 33-year-old has had a stunning past 12 months since leaving Milan for the Old Lady on a free transfer.

The playmaker inspired Juventus to Scudetto glory last term and then guided Italy to the Final of the 2012 European Championship.

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Inler plays down Pirlo tag

Jul 13, 2012

Gokhan Inler has reflected on a possible new role for Napoli next term, but played down comparisons with Andrea Pirlo.

With Napoli experimenting in their first week of pre-season with a new 3-5-1-1 formation, reports have listed Inler as based centrally in front of the defence, leading to comparisons with Pirlo, who takes up the same position for Juventus in a similar system.

However, reflecting on the introduction of this change of shape, Inler has suggested that his role will be different in character to Pirlo’s.

“We are working with this new system of playing and will need time to assimilate the movements, even though I already know it, having seen it implemented in Udine with excellent results.

“The comparison with Pirlo? I am different, even though I love the way he plays. For me it is important to offer security for the team.

“When you have a regista playing in front of the defence it is not an easy role. It puts you under a lot of pressure because if you lose the ball then there will be trouble.”

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'I will ask for Pirlo's signature' - New Juventus signing Canizares

The 16-year-old is delighted to sign for the champions, arriving at the same club

as legends such as the defensive midfielder, who he plans to ask for an autograph.

Jul 20, 2012

Nicolas Canizares has expressed his joy at signing for Juventus, and is relishing the opportunity to play with new team-mates such as Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini.

The centre-back was out of contract at Liga club Rayo Vallecano, but has agreed terms with the Old Lady, and will sign a contract with the Italian champions on Sunday.

The Spaniard admits that he was initially apprehensive about the idea of moving to a foreign country so young, but is eagerly awaiting the challenge ahead of him.

"I still can not believe it, but when they told me I did not think I was very attracted to the idea of moving countries," the defender told AS.

"I am looking forward to moving to the city. I will be asking for Chiellini's, and especially Pirlo's autograph."

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Pirlo: We are enthusiastic

Aug 7, 2012

Andrea Pirlo is looking forward to the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli and congratulates Juventus on their transfer work this summer.

The midfielder arrived with his Juve teammates in China yesterday ahead of their Supercup meeting with last season’s Coppa Italia winners Napoli.

Ahead of that game, Pirlo spoke briefly to reporters and took the chance to talk of the belief that the work done in the transfer window has given the squad.

“We arrive here with great enthusiasm. We have many fans in China and we are very keen to win the Supercoppa,” began Pirlo today.

“The club has done well in the summer market, there has been some excellent work and I think that we can play in the Champions League with the ambition of advancing out of the group stages.”

The team are facing the prospect of being without Coach Antonio Conte for next season through suspension, for his alleged role played in the betting scandal.

“We’re just thinking about the field and we are concerned only with doing our job.”