Pirlo: Ozil - the most creative footballer in Europe

The former midfielder of Juventus Andrea Pirlo, now plays in the MLS for New York City, expressed the opinion that the midfielder of Arsenal Mesut Ozil sees the situation on the field better than other players in Europe sees the situation on the field.

«Perhaps at the moment Ozil - the most creative footballer in Europe. It creates an incredible amount of dangerous moments for the strikers playing in front of him. He sees the field better than any other player in Europe, » - said Pirlo.

This season, the Premier League Ozil spent 22 matches and scored three goals and gave 16 assists.

Pirlo, Criscito and Giovinco are invited to Italy national team

Italian coach Antonio Conte called for preparations for the qualifying matches of UEFA Euro 2016 from Malta (3 September) and Bulgaria (6 September) 28 players, including Defender Domenico Criscito (Zenit). New comer from Juventus to MLS Andrea Pirlo and striker Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto) are also included in the list. Midfielder of Juventus Claudio Marchisio is missed from the line-up due to injury.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Daniele Padelli (Torino), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Sassuolo), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus),Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Zenit), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina), Andrea Ranocchia (Internazionale).

Midfielders: Andrea Bertolacci (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Florenci (Roma), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Andrea Pirlo (New York City), Roberto Soriano (Sampdoria), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Eder (Sampdoria), Stephan El Shaarawy (Monaco), Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto), Ciro Immobile (Sevilla), Graziano Pelle (Southampton), Franco Vasquez (Palermo), Simone Dzadza (Juventus).

Pirlo: We tried to play good football

Italy national team's midfielder Andrea Pirlo, injury of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2014, with the captain's armband, said the «azzurri» showed herself courageous team. Cesare Prandelli's side defeated England by 2:1.

«I was the captain of Italy a very courageous. We tried to play good football, wanted to impose Britain their game. We played well, despite the heat. We are a real team, and we are ready to move on, despite the difficulties.

I think we are with Marco Verratti's great work together. We failed in the first half of the match» - said Pirlo.

Pirlo: I still think finish his career in the national team after the World Cup 2014

35-year-old Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo said he still plans to finish an international career after the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

«I still think finish his career in the national team after the World Cup 2014. I reached a certain age, and will now correctly give way to the younger generation. Does not make sense to continue to play. If I need you, you come back without a problem. But if I will call, but not to play, I'm I'll go crazy. It is better to stay at home,» - said Pirlo.

Platini: Pirlo can win the Golden Ball

UEFA President Michel Platini believes the midfielder of Juventus and Italy international Andrea Pirlo can win the Golden Ball, awarded to the best player in the world.

Recall, Pirlo is one of three Italians who were nominated for this award along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and striker Mario Balotelli.

«Pirlo is playing very well and I think he can win the Golden Ball, but it certainly has a lot of strong competitors in the fight for this award,» - said Platini.

Italy will take France in Parma

Italy will take France in an upcoming friendly match on November 14 in Parma. In a conversation with journalists, said the President of the Italian Football Federation, Giancarlo Abete.

The last time Italy and France played against each other in the group stage of the European Championship, 2008. The meeting, held in Swiss Zurich ended in victory for the Italian team with a score 2:0, and the goals were scored by Andrea Pirlo converted a penalty kick and Daniele de Rossi.

Drogba, Ibrahimovic, Pirlo and Raul are the main contenders for the Golden Foot award

October 17 in Monte Carlo drawing of winner of the International Prize Golden Foot-2012. For this award, it can be nominated for players over the age of 29 years, have made a significant contribution to the history of football and who have significant achievements in his career. The prize, established in 2003, the year the winner will present the Prince of Principality of Monaco Albert II.

According to the latest polls, the main contenders for the prize this year were the four players: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, China), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG, France), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, Italy), and Raul Gonzalez Blanco (Al Sadd, Qatar).

Among the nominees for Golden Foot-2012 also includes: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Spain), Kaka (Real Madrid), Carles Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona), Clarence Seedorf (Botafogo, Brazil), Xavi (Barcelona).

Carlo Ancelotti: Van Persie is not included in our list of transfer targets

Coach of Paris Saint-Germain Carlo Ancelotti said his club had not asked Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie and midfielder Andrea Pirlo to Juventus. 

“Van Persie is not included in our list of transfer targets. However, I think that they are interested in other clubs. Pirlo? This is an interesting player for any club. I had the chance during the eight years of work with it. I think that's enough,” - said the Italian. 

Thus, the main contenders for Van Persie left Manchester City and Juventus.

Andrea Pirlo: “I can’t become the owner of the Golden Ball”

Andrea Pirlo, who plays for Juventus and Italy National Team, shared his opinion about his chances of getting the Golden Ball. 

“I don't believe I can’t become the owner of the Golden Ball. As long as there is Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and all the rest. This is correct. The prize is to win one of them,” – said Pirlo.

Lose, But To Be The Best

Spain won the second championship in a row and GoloFootball browser brings some results of the tournament. 

The Best Player 

There is the unspoken rule that the best player of the Championship are chosen from the winning team. So come this time, awarding this prize In′este. But I beg to differ with the decision of UEFA. Spain still has strong team is doing, and therefore the wards of Vicente Del Bosque in particular no one stood out. 

At the last European Championships, as I believe, and many others, mad game Andrea Pirlo. He was the foundation of the game that demonstrated the Italian national team. 

Eventually, Pirlo recorded into your account one goal (the only euro scored a direct free-kick) and two assists. Together with Buffon and Marchisio, he played in all six matches of the Euro from the first until the last minute. 

In this Championship has become absolutely indispensable figure Pirlo in the Azzurri. And if the Spaniards could find a replacement Iniesta or even Xavi, Cesare Prandelli alternatives Pirlo. 

By the way, Pirlo in May this year was 33, but this did not prevent him from a magnificent season for Juventus, and then, in a stunning form to arrive at the European Championship. I think Pirlo is the only person who can take away this year “Golden Ball” Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Discovery 

The main discovery of the last championship, no doubt, was the 23-year-old Spain international defender Jordi Alba. However, it is, of course, conditional, because someone else's penalty area, he spends less time than his. Especially impresses his endurance, and performance. I was an episode in the match against Portugal when the 120-minute Alba made the leap to the wrong target, though the game has just begun. Then I caught myself thinking that this guy didn't get tired. By the way, if anyone is not aware of the new season of Alba will play for FC Barcelona. 

Frustration 

The Donostia award, without a doubt, earned Arjen Robben, not, not only in Europe but also in the entire season. Dutch midfielder failed all three matches of his team's first Euro-2012 until the last minute. Scheme of the game every time was unchanged from his right flank withdrew to Center and struck above the gate. It became a signature style of Arjen Robben. However, for the sake of justice it is necessary to notice, that the euro failed, the entire team, not one Robben. Another thing that he, as leader, was supposed to lead the team forward, but this did not happen. 

Audience award 

I think this prize earned players Greece Dimitrios Salpingidis and Georgios Karagounis, who have shown all over Europe, what does the word “Patriot”. However, these words can be attributed to all the players of the Greek squad that heroically reached the quarterfinals, but especially remembered these two. Salpingidis their indefatigability, focus on gates, Karagounis same example has shown, what should be the captain. The Greeks left a very good impression of yourself. It seems to me that this team will now have fans in Europe.

Bombardier and Assistant 

Surprisingly, the Championship's top scorer Fernando Torres, and was even more surprising that Andrei Arshavin has become the best Assistant. Players who have, to put it mildly, not the best tournament, won in two categories. It's randomness? No. Perhaps this indicates a certain absurdity of Euro-2012. 

History 

Eleven Spanish players have made history as the only world champions and two-time European champions: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Fernando Torres.

Peter Schmeichel: “What doing Pirlo today is the Fantastic”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel after the semi-final of Euro 2012 qualifier between Italy and Germany (1: 2) noted game winners midfielder Andrea Pirlo. 

“What doing Pirlo today is the Fantastic. Congratulations to Andrea and Italy in the final,” – said Peter Schmeichel.

Andrea Pirlo: “We want to take the trophy”

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo after the semi-final against Germany (2: 1) the own game as well as the shared expectations of the Euro-2012 finals with Spain. 

“I have always tried to play well in matches for the national team, he tried to work for the good of the team.

After the victory at the World Cup we had some problems and we could not have achieved tangible success. Now we come to the final and we want to take the trophy. We have achieved nothing yet. Yes, reached the final, but has not yet won it. And we need to win. Otherwise, it will seem as if we came to Rome, but did not see the Pope. 

In the game against Spain, we must show the same commitment, the same determination and dedication that matches with England and Germany,” – said Pirlo.

Playmakers are back in favor

Some elements of football tactics tend to reoccur later different time periods when the successful use of which seemed to have already forgotten. Previous artists comparing themselves with those who played their role at the moment. And for sure it fills pride when the changers, speakers in the same team, learning their ABC's game. 

Josep Guardiola and football the way Andrea Pirlo had just a few months. When still a young Italian attacking midfielder of Brescia has leased from Inter, the then coach Carlo Mazzone had seen it on not quite familiar position - for him deeply as a playmaker. He managed to impress the lease for half a year, but returned in inter, which belonged, and replenished the composition of Milan. At the same place in the Brescia artist, who came Andrea, according to him, always was – Josep Guardiola. Considering the past few years, it ironically mentioned that the teacher came into place. 

It is Guardiola in the majority felt (still counts?) example of deeply as a playmaker. However, at the end of the last century, new developments in tactics forced literally disappear footballers of this type, especially of top European teams. A preference was expressed for a clearer division between engaged in defensive midfielder and attacking functions centrhavom. This position is increasingly preferred to see such a "chained dog" who primarily destroy game opponent, and Claude Makelele in this light is instructive. 

Intensification of games in midfield together with more stringent requirements regarding the position of action led to a massive failure of "classic 10" that were so popular at the turn of the century. Pirlo was lucky enough to play with the three of them, namely, Roberto Baggio (Brescia), Manuel Rui Costa and Kaka. Perhaps the presence of their team and was one of the reasons that Andrea mentors have seen a much closer to your goal. 

At the same time, playing behind such masters of reference and understanding of the game, he took over they have this priceless experience, increase the quality of the ability to maintain the tempo, playing a precise pass to any distance, to dispose of the ball. And for those who love to play clean balls "dozen", it became a real find (it is worth noting that Pirlo and he reluctantly gets involved in the selection process, which was one of the reasons for his departure from Milan). Do not get lost it and the game, in which greater emphasis on attacking the flanks, the ability to find which is jinked a formidable weapon and Milan, and the Italian national team. 

It is the first and foremost quality are key players for the position that Pirlo makes him a role model. And the need for a player who is one with a vector of attack, start with the area of the field, which often predetermine the battle fight result, defined the Renaissance as deeply as a playmaker. At the same time, identical players do not happen, and other representatives of this position on the field is quite have a right to exist. 

Mistakenly will assume that this was the cause of this age and slowness of sex. He and Pirlo, explosive speed is not famous, but the presence of the beautiful vision of the field and the ability to give an accurate and fast pass at any distance, immediately dispose of the ball, allowing them to more than compensate for the lack of movement on the field (though the run across them, it is worth noting, is quite real). 

At the same time, there are between them and quite a significant difference. If Pirlo feels best in the company of two centrhavov that act primarily on the selection (Andrea in this component is pretty weak), Scholes, and is itself an obstacle for players to attack the opponent, usually in the middle of midfield next to one partner – Michael just men. 

This example is not unique in its kind, and in the same England a couple of years ago quite successfully in the same manner and Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso. It is often inconspicuous Basque was wisely guided Liverpool and the game team. His qualities more comparable with the qualities of Scholes, but Alonso still and more reliable protection. He does not sin podkatami, as does Paul, and is more modern central midfielder, preferring interceptions.

Cesare Prandelli: “I think Pirlo deserves to win the Golden Ball”

Head coach of the Italian national team 54-year-old Cesare Prandelli after their victory over the England team in the semi-final of Euro-2012 expressed admiration game Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo. 

"I think Pirlo deserves to win the Golden Ball. For me he is the best in the world at the moment. I was amazed when, after the game with England he performed his penalty in such a way to mentally break down an opponent. This proves that the real winners are ready at all for the sake of the team,” – said Prandelli.

Football Genius: Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo was born 19 May 1979 in Flero, Lombardy. He is an Italian World Cup winning footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Juventus, and for the Italian national team. 

He is usually deployed as a deep-lying playmaker for both Juventus and Italy and is regarded as one of best players in this position. Praised for his inventive play and his long passing ability, he is also a set-piece specialist. Pirlo has played for the Italian youth teams U-15, U-18 and U-21, captaining and leading the latter to victory in the 2000 as the Golden Player and Top Scorer of the tournament. He joined the Italian senior side during the qualification round for World Cup 2002 and captained the national team to a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics. Later, he was instrumental in their victory in the 2006 World Cup. He was named man of the match three times, including the final, more than any other player in the tournament, and ultimately won the Bronze Ball. 

He came in third and second in IFFHS World Playmaker of the Year awards in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Fellow players on the Italian team gave him the nickname "l'architetto" (the architect) because his long passes frequently set up goal-scoring opportunities for the Azzurri. 

With Milan, he has won two UEFA Champions League (2003 and 2007), two European Super Cups (2003 and 2007), two Scudetto (2004 and 2011), an Italian Super Cup (2004), a FIFA Club World Cup (2007), and the Italian Cup in 2003. Pirlo was born in Flero, Lombardy, Italy. His brother Ivan plays for a Serie C2 club in Brescia. Pirlo made his debut for Brescia against Reggina. After breaking into the Brescia first team, Pirlo was spotted by Internazionale coach, Mircea Lucescu who signed the playmaker. 

However, Pirlo was unable to break into the first squad and Internazionale finished 8th in the 1998–99 Serie A campaign. Pirlo was shipped off on loan to the club he made his debut against in 1995, Reggina. After an impressive season he returned to Internazionale but was once again unable to break into the first squad making just 4 league appearances and spent the second half of the season on loan at former club, Brescia. After 3 seasons on the Internazionale books, Pirlo was sold to fierce rivals, Fatih Terim's Milan for 35 billion Italian lire. 

Pirlo started his career as an offensive midfielder until coach Carlo Ancelotti developed for him a deep-seated playmaking role at Milan. Since then, he has formed a formidable partnership with Gennaro Gattuso in the midfield and has earned the nickname "the metronome" for the way he sets the team's rhythm. He led Serie A in the 2002–03 season in four special categories, passes played (2589), ball possession (123 hours played and 39 minutes), successful balls (661) and successful passes (2093). This implies that he averaged almost 90 passes per game. He led Milan in minutes played for the 2006–07 season with 2,782. In October 2007, he was nominated for the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Award but it went to Milan teammate Kaká instead. After Kaká and coach Carlo Ancelotti left Milan in the summer of 2009, Chelsea tested Milan's resolve by bidding $12m and Claudio Pizarro for Pirlo. That transfer windows the two clubs has also swapped Cristian Brocchi for Guly; Paolo Ginestra for Matteo Bogani. 

The deals later reported by press were also aimed to create "false profit" by inflating the transfer fees in the swap deal, which Ginestra and Bogani both created €3.5million "profit" for both clubs but in terms of registration rights. 

The club rejected the offer and Pirlo was said to be contemplating a transfer request. On 5 August, Berlusconi decided not to sell Pirlo who said he was overjoyed and wanted to end his career at Milan. On 21 October 2009, Pirlo scored a notable 30 meter goal in Milan's 3–2 win over Real Madrid. It was at Milan where he found his true strides developing into a world class player. With Milan, he won two Scudetto and two Champions League titles. He also won an Italian Cup and two UEFA Super Cups with Milan in 2003 and 2007. However, his most forgettable incident was the penalty miss during 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, as he found his spot kick was saved by Jerzy Dudek. 

On 2 October 2010, Pirlo scored a 40-yard goal against Parma to give Milan their first away win of the 2010–11 season. On 18 May 2011, Pirlo confirmed that he would be leaving Milan at the end of the 2010-11 season, after a mutual decision not to renew his contract. Juventus have announced that they have signed midfielder Andrea Pirlo as a free agent on a contract that will last until 2014. “The contract signed is from July 1, 2011 until June 30, 2014.” After the transfer to Juventus, Pirlo stated that going to Juventus was not an incorrect choice. His first match for Juventus was a friendly match against Sporting Lisbon, although he played well he couldn't prevent Juventus from losing 2-1. In the fifth game of the season, Pirlo faced his old team Milan for the first time, and while he did not score, he dictated the tempo of the game to lead his new club to a 2-0 win. Pirlo captained Italy to an Under-21 European Championship in 2000 and semi-finalists in 2002. Pirlo played for Italy at the 2000 Summer Olympics, won the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.

Pirlo was a member of the Italian Squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In Italy's first match in the tournament, Pirlo scored the opening goal against Ghana, and subsequently set up a goal for Vincenzo Iaquinta to seal the 2–0 victory. He was named the Man of the Match. In the second match, he set up a diving header for Alberto Gilardino from a set piece which proved to be vital in their 1–1 draw against the United States. In the semifinal against Germany, he assisted on the opening goal in the dying minutes and was again named Man of the Match. In the final against France, his corner kick produced Marco Materazzi's equalizing header ten minutes after France had opened the score. The match went to a penalty shoot-out, in which he scored. He was named Man of the Match for a third time, and was voted third-best player of the tournament. 

Pirlo made his first return to the San Siro yet again in a friendly match which the game unfortunately went AC Milans favour 2-1. Pirlo made his first appearance in Serie A for Juventus against Parma in season 2011-2012. He lobbed in the ball into the box for Stephan Lichtsteiner who dribbled it past the goalkeeper and opened the score. Later, he provided another assist for Claudio Marchisio which made the game 4-0. The match eventually ended in 4-1, marking strong start for Juventus in the new season. 

Pirlo was not be able to play the first two games in the 2010 FIFA World Cup for Italy, due to recent injuries. He came off the bench for Italy late in the match on 24 June against Slovakia. Even with his help in orchestrating a renewed Italian offense, Pirlo could not prevent Italy from being knocked out of the first round. Andrea Pirlo and his wife Deborah Roversi married in 2001 and have two children: son Niccolò (born 2003) and daughter Angela (born 2006).

Euro-2012: Italy 1 – 1 Croatia (Video)

The match of the second round group for UEFA Euro-2012 qualifier between Italy and Croatia ended in a draw with the score 1: 1. In the first half was equal to the game, but closer to her the Italians intercepted the initiative and deservedly took the lead. The 39-th minute Andrea Pirlo brilliantly curled, sending the ball into the near corner Stipe made the difference. 

In the second half famous Croats have managed to reverse the bojcovskimi qualities of the game and equalize. The 72-minute Mario Mandžukić freely took the ball at the far post and his struggles against Gianluigi Buffon. In the remaining time or one of the teams failed to score. 

Thus, the Croats scored 4 points and temporarily leading group C. Italy has 2 points and so far is on the second line.

Andrea Pirlo: “It was a difficult match”

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo said that defeat in a friendly against Russia enabled trust Cesare Pradelli prepare well for Euro-2012. 

“Put team seven on a ten-point scale. It was a difficult match, but we played well. Defeated by Russia served us well. It allowed us to focus on the national team. 

It is very important that we have been able to resist such a strong team. This result will enhance self-confidence. De Rossi had an excellent game. It is a real winner, so can play in many positions”, - Said Pirlo.

Euro-2012 – Poland vs Greece – Russia vs Czech Republic – Holland vs Denmark – Germany vs Portugal – Spain vs Italy – Ireland vs Croatia – France vs England – Ukraine vs Sweden – Greece vs Czech Republic – Poland vs Russia – Denmark vs Portugal – Holland vs Germany – Italy vs Croatia – Spain vs Ireland – Ukraine vs France – Sweden vs England – Czech Republic vs Poland – Greece vs Russia – Denmark vs Germany – Portugal vs Holland – Croatia vs Spain – Italy vs Ireland – England vs Ukraine – Sweden vs France – Lewandowski vs Karagounis – Arshavin vs Baros – Robben vs Rommedahl – Ozil vs Cristiano Ronaldo – Xavi vs Pirlo – Duff vs Modric – Benzema vs Rooney – Shevchenko vs Ibrahimovic – Karagounis vs Baros – Lewandowski vs Arshavin – Rommedahl vs Cristiano Ronaldo – Robben vs Ozil – Pirlo vs Modric – Xavi vs Duff – Shevchenko vs Benzema – Ibrahimovic vs Rooney – Baros vs Lewandowski – Karagounis vs Arshavin – Rommedahl vs Ozil – Cristiano Ronaldo vs Robben – Modric vs Xavi – Pirlo vs Duff – Shevchenko vs Rooney – Ibrahimovic vs Benzema – Euro-2012 – Watch Free live streaming online – All games – Videos – Photos – Stats - Euro-2012 – Poland vs Greece – Russia vs Czech Republic – Holland vs Denmark – Germany vs Portugal – Spain vs Italy – Ireland vs Croatia – France vs England – Ukraine vs Sweden – Greece vs Czech Republic – Poland vs Russia – Denmark vs Portugal – Holland vs Germany – Italy vs Croatia – Spain vs Ireland – Ukraine vs France – Sweden vs England – Czech Republic vs Poland – Greece vs Russia – Denmark vs Germany – Portugal vs Holland – Croatia vs Spain – Italy vs Ireland – England vs Ukraine – Sweden vs France – Lewandowski vs Karagounis – Arshavin vs Baros – Robben vs Rommedahl – Ozil vs Cristiano Ronaldo – Xavi vs Pirlo – Duff vs Modric – Benzema vs Rooney – Shevchenko vs Ibrahimovic – Karagounis vs Baros – Lewandowski vs Arshavin – Rommedahl vs Cristiano Ronaldo – Robben vs Ozil – Pirlo vs Modric – Xavi vs Duff – Shevchenko vs Benzema – Ibrahimovic vs Rooney – Baros vs Lewandowski – Karagounis vs Arshavin – Rommedahl vs Ozil – Cristiano Ronaldo vs Robben – Modric vs Xavi – Pirlo vs Duff – Shevchenko vs Rooney – Ibrahimovic vs Benzema – Euro-2012 – Watch Free live streaming online – All games – Videos – Photos – Stats.

Gerard Pique: “Balotelli can win any match for you, and Pirlo-tournament”

Spanish Defender Gerard Pique 's opponent in the first game at UEFA Euro-2012 - the Italian command.

Carlo Ancelotti: “If Thiago Motta has played in my Milan, I would definitely have used it in conjunction with Andrea Pirlo”

PSG Chief coach Carlo Ancelotti said that midfielder Thiago Motta will bring many benefits for Italy at UEFA Euro-2012.

Andrea Pirlo started practicing in a common group

Andrea Pirlo, who plays for Juventus and the Italian national team, started practicing in a common group, reports Football Italia.