Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 8957]

'Still being spoken about long into the night' -
Goal's World Player of the Week Andrea Pirlo

Jun 17, 2013

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli struggled to find the right superlative to describe Andrea Pirlo's performance in Sunday night's 2-1 victory over Mexico in Rio. "There are no more words for Andrea," he reasoned. But then, the Azzurri boss nailed it. "Andrea Pirlo is football for us." He's football for so many others, too.

Pirlo is proof that the brain can still triumph over brawn; that precision is more important than power; that subtlety is more effective than strength.

The 34-year-old admitted earlier this week that he had learned a great deal about striking a dead ball from watching fromer Brazil and Olympique Lyonnais set-piece specialist Juninho in action. "I tried to imitate the way he kicked the ball, and it worked ... A lot!"

Now the student has become the master, as so wonderfully underlined by the sublime free kick with which he ever so fittingly marked his 100th appearance for the Azzurri, at, of all venues, the Maracana, the spiritual home of Brazilian football.

However, as Goal's Kris Voakes outlines below, Pirlo is not merely our World Player of the Week for one of his set-piece specials.

"Appearing in Italy's national colours for the 100th time, the veteran playmaker was always likely to be the centre of attention as La Nazionale took on Mexico, but the metronomic midfielder's performance at the Maracana ensured that he was still being spoken about long into the night," he explained from Rio.

"Not only did he score the opening goal in Italy's 2-1 win, but he also burst into the box early on and should have won a penalty after hitting the turf.

"He could well have had an assist under his belt had Riccardo Montolivo buried a chance from Pirlo's free-kick, but the centurion, ever the team player, will be more than happy with having contributed to the Italians earning three points in Group A."

[Socrates 8957]

Pirlo hails Real target Ancelotti

Jun 18, 2013

Andrea Pirlo understands why Real Madrid want to appoint Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next Coach.

The Spaniards are looking for a Jose Mourinho replacement and they have made a move for the Italian tactician.

“He's a great Coach who likes to play good football and his teams play with real style,” Pirlo, who worked with Ancelotti at Milan, told Marca.

“Ancelotti was a good choice for the clubs he has coached because he has a good footballing philosophy," the Juventus man added.

“I have nothing but good things to say about him, he's a friend. He's an outstanding Coach, who treats his players well and is well-liked inside the dressing room.

“Will he go? I don't know if he's going to Real Madrid or staying at Paris Saint-Germain. Carlo is a friend, a great person and I wish him all the best, wherever he is.

“He's an amazing Coach, I was very happy playing under him and we'll just have to wait and see where the future takes him.

“Real Madrid is a great club and I'm sure that one of Carlo's dreams is to work there.”

[Socrates 8957]

'Our strategy is to stop Pirlo'

Jun 18, 2013

Japan captain Makoto Hasebe has praised Andrea Pirlo ahead of their game against Italy on Wednesday.

The Blue Samurai face Cesare Prandelli's team in Recife tomorrow knowing that a loss to the Azzurri would almost certainly put them out of the competition.

And the Wolfsburg midfielder has admitted that will be a tough ask coming up against the Juventus star.

“Pirlo is the brains of the team,” he told a Press conference. “He really is an exceptional player.

“We can't let him play as he'd want to. Against Brazil we were too defensive.

“Italy are a great team – they are organized and solid in defensive.

“But our strategy is to stop Pirlo – only by doing that can we beat the Azzurri.”

[Socrates 8957]

Japan must stop Pirlo, says Hasebe

The Wolfsburg midfielder has singled out the influential playmaker as the Azzurri's
key man and remains optimistic about his side's chances of making it to the semi-finals.

Jun 18, 2013

Makoto Hasebe admits Japan cannot afford to allow Andrea Pirlo any space if they are to get a good result against Italy on Wednesday.

The Asian champions were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in their Group A opener, but Hasebe remains optimistic about his side's chances of making it to the semi-finals.

"Pirlo? He's the brains of the team and an outstanding footballer. We have to get at him early and not allow him to play his game," the 29-year-old Wolfsburg midfielder told the official Fifa website.

"We were too defensive against Brazil. It's a shame we lost, but they're a strong team and they had the crowd behind them. All of that definitely affected us.

"We were massively disappointed and our heads went down at first, but we have to pick ourselves up now. We still have games against Italy and Mexico, and if we win both we're through to the semi-finals.

"Italy always come up with a great team. They're very organised and solid in defence. The strategy is to stop Pirlo and beat Italy and anything’s possible after that."

Italy recorded a 2-1 win over Mexico in their opening game.

[Socrates 8957]

Pirlo ruled out of Uruguay clash

The Euro 2012 finalists will miss both the Juventus midfielder
and Andrea Barzagli as they take on the Copa America holders on Sunday.

Jun 29, 2013

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will be without the services of Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli ahead of their clash with Uruguay.

The defender is being plagued by a tendon problem that recurred in the Confederations Cup semi-final defeat against Spain on Thursday and was replaced at half-time due to his physical problems.

Pirlo, on the other hand, lasted for the full 120 minutes against Spain, but muscular problems now see him miss the game versus Uruguay.

"Pirlo was coming off a muscular problem and did brilliantly to resist throughout the entire match with Spain," team doctor Enrico Castellacci was quoted as saying on the official FIGC website.

"However, as a precautionary measure and in agreement with the coach, we have decided not to risk him for the next game.

"Barzagli is suffering from a recurring tendon problem that had already affected him recently."

Italy will also be without star striker Mario Balotelli in the third place play-off as the AC Milan attacker was sent home earlier this week due to injury.

[Socrates 8957]

Real Madrid consider Pirlo

Jun 29, 2013

Andrea Pirlo won over more fans during the Confederations Cup and it’s reported Carlo Ancelotti wants a reunion at Real Madrid.

The midfielder is 34 years old, but has been a sensation since joining Juventus on a free transfer in the summer of 2011, winning two consecutive Scudetti.

He also impressed in Brazil this summer and earned praise from many members of the Spain squad.

According to reports in the Spanish Press, Real Madrid have named Pirlo as a potential transfer target under new Coach Ancelotti.

It would be a reunion for the pair, who worked together for several years at Milan with great success, developing his deep playmaker role.

However, it is highly unlikely that Juventus would release one of their top stars, even if the idea of moving to Real Madrid at his age would be intriguing.

[Socrates 8957]

3 Players Who Could Be Andrea Pirlo's Heir at Juventus

Jun 30, 2013

Having been in the Serie A for more than a decade, Andrea has picked up the following accolades: a World Cup victory, multiple Champions League trophies and a few Scudetti to boot.

He has left a lasting legacy both on the Azzurri and in previous clubs where he has played.

The recently turned 34-year-old Pirlo has not really lost a step and managed to lead the Italian national team in the Confederations Cup to another impressive outing.

Juventus needs to start seriously scouting for possible replacements for one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers who ever graced a grassy pitch.

Here is a list of three potential players who could fill Pirlo's boots in the long run at Juventus.


Marco Verratti

Having recently suited up for the Italian national team's U-21 side, which made it all the way to the finals, Marco Verratti could be an excellent option to takeover the reigns of his mentor, Andrea Pirlo.

The 20-year-old Paris St. Germain midfield creator still has plenty of room to grow and is gaining invaluable experience with his inclusion in a team with Champions League ambitions.

It'll be hard for La Vecchia Signora to steal one of the newly rich club's biggest assets, even though the player himself has not shied way from echoing his desire of returning to his native Italy.

Verratti is a bit different than Pirlo. Physically, he's a much shorter, stockier athlete. He tends to be slightly more direct type of player and lacks the same enviable free-kick-taking ability.


Paul Pogba

Let's be realistic: A player like Andrea Pirlo will be nearly impossible to emulate, so perhaps it's useless for Juventus to find the ideal substitute.

Instead of trying to unearth a player in a position which is becoming extinct, thrust a modern midfielder like Paul Pogba into that role and reap the rewards.

Pogba is an absolute behemoth of a player who can affect the match in a multitude of ways. He's tall, athletic and technically gifted. He possesses a cannon shot and is an intimidating aerial presence.

Needless to say, Pogba brings a very different dimension to the midfield than Pirlo but perhaps one that will fit the team better in the future.

As cliche as it may be, the sky is the limit for the young Frenchman, and he is truly developing into one of the best players worldwide in his position.


Change the Tactics

Let's hypothetically say that Juventus don't even bother filling Andrea's boots and just change the formation outright.

With the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, they have two creators upfront who can both finish with clinical precision and pick out streaking teammates down the flank.

If Juventus decides to switch from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, they could employ two holding midfielders in front of the defense and go with a high-octane attack.

These four-man defensive formations do not necessarily need an Andrea Pirlo-type player, and the likes of Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba will be good enough to hold up the overall quality of the starting XI.

[Socrates 8957]

Pirlo and Klose up for award

Jul 6, 2013

Andrea Pirlo, Miroslav Klose, David Beckham and David Trezeguet are among the candidates for the 2013 Golden Foot Award.

Juventus and Italy hero Pirlo is there along with Lazio hitman Klose, while ex-Milan midfielder Beckham and former Bianconeri striker Trezeguet are also included.

Other candidates are Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Samuel Eto’o and Andres Iniesta.

Every year a short-list of 10 candidates is drawn up and fans from around the world vote for who will have their feet immortalised in the Champions Promenade in Monte Carlo.

This is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and so far includes stars like Francesco Totti, Andriy Shevchenko, Pavel Nedved, Hristo Stoichkov, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Paolo Rossi, Ronaldo, Gerd Muller, Diego Armando Maradona, Ronaldinho, Romario, Gigi Riva, Ferenc Puskas, Michel Platini and Gianni Rivera.

Players must be over 28 in order to qualify for the award.

[Socrates 8957]

Pirlo wants Juve extension, but…

Aug 9, 2013

Andrea Pirlo says he is ready to end his career at Juventus so long as he continues to be a key part of the project.

The playmaker, now 34, will be out of contract at the end of the season following his Bosman free transfer from Milan in 2011.

“I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Friday. “I’ve already spoken to the club and we’ll meet again at the end of the season.

“Juve are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years go by, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo.

“I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success, otherwise I’ll leave. But I want to underline that it won’t be a problem about money or choosing between one club and another.

“If I had to change, perhaps I’ll go abroad. I’ll certainly continue playing for a high level team.”

Pirlo has been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid this summer, but he’s shot down that suggestion.

“I’ve spoken with my agent and Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, someone who I regularly talk to,” he admitted. “But nobody has offered me the chance to join Real…”

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Pirlo has been a decisive figure in the Old Lady’s last two Scudetti and he has his eyes on a hat-trick of League championships despite their struggles in pre-season.

“There is nothing to worry about, we are working hard,” the Italian international added. “We’ve had problems during the summer in previous seasons too, but then we changed gear.

“I’m not concerned in the slightest ahead of the Italian Super Cup or the championship.”

Juventus boss Antonio Conte and goalkeeper Gigi Buffon have both spoken about the dangers of over confidence after their success over the past 24 months.

“After two successive titles, you need to play more with your heads and with more desire. Gigi added a bit of pepper to warn the squad.

“If you are Juventus then you always have the desire to win – that is natural. And we want to continue doing that.

“Conte has made us aware that it will be tough, he’s reminded us that – apart from the Juve side of the 1930s – this club has never won three League titles in succession. We want to become part of this club’s history.

“Scudetto rivals? There are a lot of clubs who have been built well – Napoli, Milan, Inter, Roma, Fiorentina.”

[Socrates 8957]

Pirlo hints at Juventus exit

The midfielder has revealed that he could be on the move
next summer if he no longer feels valued at the Serie A champions.

Aug 8, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has admitted that he could leave Juventus at the end of the 2013-14 campaign if he no longer feels important to the team.

The 34-year-old, who joined Juve from AC Milan in the summer of 2011, has a contract with the Old Lady until June 2014, but has stressed it is by no means a certainty that he will ink a new deal with his current club.

"I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where," Pirlo told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

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"I’ve already spoken to the club and we’ll meet again at the end of the season. Juve are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years go by, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo.

"I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success, otherwise I’ll leave. If I had to change, perhaps I’ll go abroad. I’ll certainly continue playing for a high-level team."

The Italy international then revealed that he is in regular touch with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, but added that he has not received an offer from the Spanish giants.

"I’ve spoken with my agent and with Ancelotti, someone who I regularly talk to, but nobody has offered me the chance to join Real."

Pirlo made 32 Serie A starts for the Italian champions last season as they secured back-to-back Scudetto titles under Antonio Conte.

[Socrates 8957]

Pirlo pledges future to Juventus

The 34-year-old has gone back on claims that he could leave the club
next summer, saying he hopes to finish his playing career with the Bianconeri.

Aug 9, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has pledged his future to Juventus, stating he hopes to play in Turin for the remainder of his career.

On Thursday, the Italy midfielder hinted at a possible exit from the club, saying it is far from a certainty that he will remain with the club when his contract expires in June 2014 and that he will only do so if he still feels like a valuable member of the squad.

Pirlo went back on those statements on Friday, however, saying his ambitions are clear and they all revolve around his future with the Bianconeri.

"There is only one objective, to win, and to do so we will have to give our all," the 34-year-old told the team’s official website.

"We’re working really hard to be fully fit and raring to go for the start of the new season.

"Only once, during the 1930s, have Juventus ever won three Scudetto titles in a row, and so that opportunity to make history is an even greater incentive for us to do our best.

"The club are very ambitious and I hope to see out my career here. This team are my priority."

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The former AC Milan star joined Juventus in July 2011 and has since won consecutive Serie A titles, a trend he hopes to continue in the years to come.

Pirlo added: "With Napoli, Milan, Inter, Roma, and Fiorentina there is going to be a lot of good football played this year and it’s going to be hard work for us.

"Those teams have invested well in some great champions and I believe that that’s a sign of a renaissance for Italian football: it’s returning to its past glory.

"When you don’t win it’s normal that people might be concerned, but we’re confident that we’re training well and doing all that we can to reach full fitness.

"When you lift two consecutive league trophies, people might think it’s going to be easy to do it again a third time. In fact, it requires even more concentration, because everyone will want to beat Juventus."

[Socrates 8957]

Corioni: I would bring Pirlo back to Brescia

Aug 10, 2013

Brescia president Luigi Corioni has stated hat he would welcome Juventus star Andrea Pirlo back to the Rondinelle if given the chance.

The 34-year-old Italian international wants to extend his contract with the Bianconeri, but has opened the door to a possible exit if the club don’t view him as indispensable.

Corioni was responsible for letting Italian legend Roberto Baggio finish his footballing career at Brescia and he would consider doing something similar for Pirlo.

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“Just like I did with Baggio at the end of his career I would bring Pirlo back to Brescia,” Corioni told itasportpress.it.

“But it is difficult because Andrea will not stop before he is 40-years-old.”

Pirlo joined Juventus in 2011 and is entering the final year of his contract with the Bianconeri. A move to Brescia would mean a return to his hometown club.

Pirlo was a product of the Rondinelle’s youth system and played for the senior squad from 1995 to 1998.

[Socrates 8957]

Juve-Pirlo talks on hold until…

Sep 6, 2013

Juventus will talk with Andrea Pirlo at the end of the year to discuss the possibility of a new contract.

The 34-year-old playmaker is only tied to the Old Lady until June 2014 following his Bosman free transfer from Milan in 2011.

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Pirlo has been a key figure for the outfit since his arrival given that he has helped them to two consecutive Scudetti.

Tuttosport claim that club officials will wait until the last few weeks of 2013 before thinking about his future.

Pirlo admitted last month that he wanted to continue his career in Turin – so long as he felt like an integral part of the project.

“I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in August.

“Juve are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years go by, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo.

“I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success, otherwise I’ll leave. But I want to underline that it won’t be a problem about money or choosing between one club and another.

“If I had to change, perhaps I’ll go abroad. I’ll certainly continue playing for a high level team.”

[Socrates 8957]

Marotta 'optimistic' Pirlo will sign

Sep 10, 2013

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has admitted he is ‘optimistic’ that Andrea Pirlo will sign a new deal.

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The veteran midfielder’s current contract runs out next summer, but the administrator is confident that the 34-year-old will sign on the dotted line.

“Pirlo? I am quite optimistic about his renewal,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

[Socrates 8957]

Conte underlines sub rules at Juve

Sep 24, 2013

Antonio Conte has reportedly told his Juventus squad that he expects his substituted players to take a seat on the bench once they are replaced.

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According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the tactician reminded his squad of such rules following Andrea Pirlo’s actions at the weekend.

The Italian international opted to head directly to the changing rooms after being replaced by Claudio Marchisio in the 66th minute of the win against Verona.

“I will tell Andrea that when he leaves the field after being substituted, he must remain on the bench and wait for his teammates,” Conte said on Sunday.

“The good thing is that he has rested for 25 minutes and will be ready for Chievo Verona.”

The former Milan player was also taken off by Conte in the 1-1 draw at Inter, although that change came in the 86th minute.

Pirlo, 34, will be out of contract at the end of the season.

[Socrates 8957]

Pogba & Pirlo set for new deals

Sep 24, 2013

Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo are set for contract talks with Juventus, according to reports in the Italian Press.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italy international’s current deal expires next summer, and Sky Sport Italia insist that the Bianconeri will sit down with the veteran soon and discuss an extension.

The channel also confirms that the Old Lady will discuss a long-term contract with the French youngster after his impressive performances since arriving from Manchester United.

Pogba’s existing deal ends in 2016, but Antonio Conte’s side are desperate to keep him in Turin.

[Socrates 8957]

Juventus put Pirlo contract talks on hold until February

The Scudetto holders are in no rush to extend the influential
midfielder's existing deal and will continue talks in a few months time.

Sep 26, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed the reigning Serie A champions have put contract talks with Andrea Pirlo on hold until early 2014.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italy international's current contract with the Bianconeri is due to expire at the end of the 2013-14 campaign, but Juventus are in no rush to extend his existing deal.

"Pirlo's contract? We have held talks and are calm about it. We have decided to continue negotiations in February or March," Marotta told Tuttosport.

Pirlo joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer after leaving AC Milan in the summer of 2011 and has played a pivotal role in the club winning back-to-back Serie A titles. He has featured in each of the Turin side's league games so far this season.

The 34-year-old recently insisted that he's keen to sign a contract extension with Juve, but added that he would only stay put if he still feels valued by the Turin giants.

[Socrates 8957]

Buffon: 'Juventus cannot let Andrea Pirlo go'

Sep 27, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that the club cannot afford to let Andrea Pirlo leave when his contract expires in the summer.

http://markting10.nl/

Buffon said that the club cannot grow and begin to compete with the best in Europe by getting rid of their best players.

"Letting a player like Pirlo go is never up for discussion," Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.

"If we started to do that, then we may as well dismantle the stadium bit by bit, go home and stop playing football. I hope that we never deprive ourselves of such a strong player."

[Socrates 8957]

Why Juventus risk losing Andrea Pirlo at the end of the season

The Bianconeri have yet to agree an extension of the metronomic
midfielder's current contract, meaning he could walk away for free in the summer.

Sep 28, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

If one man has embodied the rejuvenation of Juventus Football Club over the past two years, that man is Andrea Pirlo. Since his arrival in Turin from AC Milan in the summer of 2011, the Italy international has completely changed the make-up of the Bianconeri’s play, helping them to consecutive Scudetti and a Champions League quarter-final in their first year back in European competition.

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But June 2014 is set to bring a key moment in the continued development of the club, with Pirlo’s current contract due to terminate at this season’s end. And while to the naked eye it would appear that the offering of a new deal would seem like a no-brainer, there are grumblings of discontent around Turin at the moment.

Pirlo remains one of the highest-paid first-teamers at Vinovo, but will turn 35 before his current deal elapses, prompting Juve to consider offering lowered terms for any new contract. Add in the need for coach Antonio Conte to prepare his squad for the longer term without Pirlo, and this brings with it a greater uncertainty than might be obvious to the layman.

As Goal’s Juventus correspondent, Romeo Agresti, explains, there are many facets to the current stand-off, which has seen the club postpone any new talks until February of next year.

"In many ways, the situation is very simple. Juve would like to evaluate with a clear head the possibility of a new one-year deal with an option for the following year, but keeping Pirlo means keeping a player who wants to play every game," says Romeo.

"However, it is not a simple situation to manage. Juve are also considering fitting Paul Pogba into Pirlo’s role as the midfield pivot in the long term. Conte believes that the Frenchman is the right man for the job, and is working very much with that in mind. Consider, for example, the recent Juventus-Verona game, where Pirlo was replaced and Pogba moved into the central role just in front of the defence."

Pirlo is a key man both on and off the field, winning two Champions League titles during his career. If you want to progress in Europe, you need men who are not afraid of Europe - Romeo Agresti, Juventus correspondent.

That fixture was also notable for Pirlo heading immediately for the tunnel when his substitution occurred, sparking rumours of disquiet between the playmaker and his coach, but Romeo assures there are no deeper issues in that regard.

"As regards the relationship between Pirlo and Conte, that remains solid. Pirlo’s decision to head straight for the tunnel angered Juve, but everything is now back to normal. Against Chievo in midweek, the two men exchanged a hug after the match and the controversy has been permanently quietened."

Beyond short-term worries over relationships, there is a greater question mark in mind over the ability to transform a team which currently plays to Pirlo’s tune if the Italy midfielder were to leave. Still, the fear over his loss must also be tempered with financial realism concerning a player in his mid-30s.

"To put it into real terms, Juve’s idea is to propose a one-year rolling deal but certainly not at a rate of €4 million per year," explains Romeo. "However, the Bresciano is an important man both on and off the field, having won two Champions League titles during his career. And if you want to grow in Europe, you have to have men who are not afraid in Europe.

"But the club are making a comprehensive assessment, especially in terms of tactics. If they want to cast Pogba in that role, then they have to study the proposal well. Also to be taken into consideration is Juve’s desire to add Radja Nainggolan to their ranks at some point, and the Belgian is not a player who would want to spend a lot of time on the bench."

So given the fact that Pogba only left Manchester United for the Bianconeri in the first place due to a lack of first-team football, Claudio Marchisio’s position as a crowd favourite, Arturo Vidal’s undroppable status and the continued desire to add Cagliari’s Nainggolan at some point soon, there are many factors to consider as Conte and the club board sit down to talk over Pirlo’s position.

And in the meantime, they are happy to let the Italian’s contract run low enough that he could speak to other clubs before they next intend to discuss an extension. While the 100-cap star is unlikely to go looking elsewhere immediately, Juventus’ multitude of questions may lead to Pirlo signing his next contract with someone other than the Old Lady.

[Socrates 8957]

Matri: 'I'd like Pirlo at Milan'

Oct 5, 2013

Alessandro Matri faces his old Juventus teammates tomorrow and would gladly “bring Andrea Pirlo back to Milan.”

http://markting10.nl/

The striker has already said he would celebrate if he scored at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday night.

“I have no desire for revenge, as I only want to do well for Milan,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Who would I like to take away from the Juve squad? Purely out of friendship, I’d love to bring Pirlo back to Milan. Of course, as a player everyone knows how good he is.

“In terms of rapport and his skills, I think Pirlo would fit in well here with us.”

Of course Pirlo spent 10 years at Milan before he was allowed to leave at the expiry of his contract in 2011.

Juventus picked him up on a free transfer and the creative midfielder proved to be one of the inspirations behind two consecutive Scudetto triumphs.

[Socrates 8957]

Vialli suggests Pirlo-Spurs contact

Oct 7, 2013

Gianluca Vialli has ignited rumours that Andrea Pirlo could leave Juventus for Tottenham at the end of the season.

Speaking on Sky Sport Italia last after Pirlo scored in the 3-2 win over former club Milan, Vialli suggested a move to the Premiership was a possibility.

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“I’ve heard rumours from England that there has been contact between Pirlo and Tottenham for next season,” said the ex-Old Lady captain.

The 34-year-old’s future in Turin is unclear at this moment in time given that his contract is set to expire.

The playmaker signed a three-year contract with the Bianconeri in 2011 when he left the San Siro giants on a Bosman free transfer.

Juventus and Pirlo are understood to have put talks regarding a new deal on hold until the start of next year.

The Italian international is ready to put pen to paper on new terms at the Juventus Stadium, but he wants games in return.

http://markting10.nl/

“I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in August.

“Juve are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years go by, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo.

“I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success, otherwise I’ll leave. But I want to underline that it won’t be a problem about money or choosing between one club and another.

“If I had to change, perhaps I’ll go abroad. I’ll certainly continue playing for a high level team.”

[Socrates 8957]

Juventus worried by Pirlo call

Oct 8, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte is reportedly unhappy with Andrea Pirlo’s call-up to the latest Italian international squad.

According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri were expecting Cesare Prandelli to omit the 34-year-old for the games against Denmark and Armenia.

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Although Pirlo remains a key figure for the Azzurri, the Italians have already qualified for Brazil 2014 so the results of their final two World Cup qualifiers will be irrelevant.

The playmaker has played in eight games for the Old Lady so far this term – six in Serie A and two in the Champions League. He also played in the Italian Super Cup Final.

Juventus wanted him rested ahead of the Week 8 game at Fiorentina.

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Pirlo has been joined by teammates Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio at Coverciano.

The Azzurri didn’t select Andrea Barzagli this time around as the stopper has struggled with a tendon problem since the start of the campaign.

[Socrates 8957]

Andrea Pirlo 'not interested' in Real Madrid move

Oct 8, 2013

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo will reportedly turn down the chance to join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The Italian international is expected to depart Juve next summer when his contract comes to an end, with a number of clubs monitoring developments.

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Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be interested in the 34-year-old, but according to the Daily Mail, Pirlo will turn down the Spanish giants as he attempts to secure assurances about regular playing time.

Pirlo, who has also played for Inter Milan and AC Milan, has made 104 appearances for the Italian national team.

[Socrates 8957]

Inter plan Pirlo attempt?

Oct 8, 2013

Prospective new Inter owner Erick Thohir is reportedly intent on trying to sign Andrea Pirlo back to the Nerazzurri next summer.

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The Juventus man is the subject of increasing speculation regarding his future, having now entered the final 12 months of his current contract in Turin.

Linked with Tottenham and Real Madrid among others, the Corriere dello Sport suggest today that Inter are also going to be on the veteran’s trail.

Pirlo, whose career really took off only after ending a three-year spell with the Nerazzurri in 2001, is reportedly seen as the ‘gift’ signing that the club’s prospective new owner Thohir wants to sign to mark his arrival at San Siro.

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Whilst it is seen that there remain many obstacles to a possible move, the report is that Inter are starting work on ascertaining the player’s objectives come next summer.

Pirlo is believed by the Corriere dello Sport set to only negotiate a possible renewal with Juventus come February-March next year, by which time he will also be free to negotiate with other interested parties.

The playmaker currently earns €4m a season but is expected to take a pay-cut on any new deal signed, as by the summer he will have turned 35.

[Socrates 8957]

Brits push on for Pirlo

Oct 15, 2013

Reports are that clubs from England are pushing hardest to try and turn Andrea Pirlo’s head for next summer.

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The Juventus regista is out of contract at the end of the current season and is already attracting speculation as to his intentions come next June.

With negotiations for a renewal in Turin seen as due only in February-March time, reports have been that the likes of Real Madrid and Inter may be interested in talking to the 34-year-old.

However, on from Gianluca Vialli’s assertion last week that Tottenham are leading the way for Pirlo, reports today are that the Premier League is where the most interest is so far.

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Milannews.it believe that Spurs are pushing strongest for the Italy international but are only leading a group that also contains Chelsea, Arseanl, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

It is believed that this group of six, led by Andre Villas-Boas’ side, are increasingly pressing on with interest in Pirlo, ready to offer deals that at a financial level will be greater than those in Serie A.