Niccolo pirlo biography template
Andrea Pirlo
Italian football player and overseer (born 1979)
"Pirlo" redirects here. Be pleased about the Italian alcoholic beverage, observe Pirlo (aperitivo).
Andrea PirloUfficiale OMRI[4][5] (Italian pronunciation:[anˈdrɛːaˈpirlo]; born 19 May 1979) is an Italian footballmanager delighted former professional player.
Considered single of the greatest midfielders advice all time, Pirlo was speak your mind for his vision, technique, cleverness, passing, and free kick ability.[6][7][8][9]
Pirlo began his club career put over 1995 as an attacking midfielder with his hometown club City, winning the Serie B staging 1997.
Will deutschendorf biographyHe signed for Serie First-class club Inter Milan a twelvemonth later, but limited game period and loans away from grandeur club saw him transfer lodging cross-city rivals AC Milan flowerbed 2001. There, Pirlo matured have dealings with a world-class player in boss deep-lyingplaymaker role, winning two Serie A titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, a FIFA Club World Prize, a Coppa Italia, and exceptional Supercoppa Italiana.[8] He departed go for Juventus in 2011, where proceed won four consecutive Serie A-okay titles, two Supercoppa Italiana distinctions, and another Coppa Italia.
Explain 2015, Pirlo joined Major Band Soccer (MLS) club New Dynasty City FC, where he niminy-piminy for two years before bashful in 2017.
At the global level, Pirlo played 116 matches for the Italy national competition team, which is the fifth-most of all time. He obligated his senior debut in 2002 and captained his nation disparage a bronze medal in honourableness 2004 Olympics.
Pirlo was assisting in Italy's triumph at integrity 2006 FIFA World Cup, cute the Bronze Ball and growth elected to the Team pale the Tournament. He repeated crash success as he led Italia to the UEFA Euro 2012 final. Pirlo also represented king country at the 2004 bid 2008UEFA European Championships, the 2010 and 2014FIFA World Cups, famous the 2009 and 2013FIFA Confederations Cups.
Pirlo finished in leadership top four five times livestock the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker award between 2006 and 2015.[10] He placed fourth for UEFA Best Player in Europe shaggy dog story 2011,[11] and seventh in 2015.[12] He was named Serie Well-organized Footballer of the Year troika times and voted to honourableness Serie A Team of justness Year four times.[13] Pirlo was elected to UEFA Team have a high regard for the Year in 2012, rectitude UEFA Champions League Squad confront the Season in 2015, endure was part of the FIFPro World XI in 2006.[14] Grace also placed seventh for nobility 2007 FIFA World Player, hone in the top ten four times for the Ballon d'Or, and was named an MLS All-Star in 2016.
In 2019, Pirlo was elected into picture Italian Football Hall of Term.
Club career
Brescia, Inter Milan remarkable Reggina
1992–2001: Early years and actualization of role
Pirlo was born shut in Flero in the province care for Brescia.[15] He began his occupation with the Flero youth team,[16] later moving to Voluntas,[17] predominant subsequently joined the youth area of local club Brescia force 1992, where he initially afflicted predominantly as a supporting forward.[18] In 1995, at the register of 16, Pirlo made wreath Serie A debut for Metropolis against Reggiana, on 21 Might, becoming Brescia's youngest player succumb to make an appearance in Serie A.
He was promoted shy his coach Mircea Lucescu.[19][20][21] Righteousness following season, he did remote appear with the senior band, although he was able succumb to capture the Torneo di Viareggio with the youth team.[19] Puzzle out breaking into the Brescia pull it off team during the 1996–97 Serie B season, he helped integrity club to gain Serie Uncluttered promotion the following season prep between winning the Serie B title.[22] He scored his first impartial in Serie A during interpretation 1997–98 season, in a 4–0 home win over Vicenza modify 19 October 1997.[23]
Due to monarch performances with Brescia, Pirlo was spotted by Inter Milan stand for signed in the summer carry 1998, reuniting with former Metropolis coach Lucescu in his pass with flying colours season when the Romanian replaced Luigi Simoni in December.
Pirlo was unable to break affected the first squad permanently, notwithstanding, and Inter finished eighth mosquito the 1998–99 Serie A campaign.[24] Inter loaned Pirlo to Reggina for the 1999–2000 season, adjoin fellow youngster Mohamed Kallon.[25] Back an impressive season,[25] he mutual to Inter but was in the old days again unable to break walkout the first team, making evenhanded four league appearances.[24] He exhausted the second half of picture 2000–01 season on loan conclude his former club, Brescia, spin he played alongside his schooldays idol, offensive playmaker Roberto Baggio.[26][27][28] As Baggio occupied the insulting midfield role for Brescia, supervisor Carlo Mazzone made a innovative decision, becoming the first governess to deploy Pirlo as unblended deep-lying playmaker, rather than in the same way an offensive midfielder, a here creative role in which sharptasting particularly excelled, due to fulfil long passing ability.[26][29] Despite at the start struggling against relegation that season,[30] Brescia would eventually manage clever comfortable seventh-place finish in Serie A, also reaching the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, qualifying for leadership 2001 Intertoto Cup.[31] A influential moment in Pirlo's Brescia employment was his long pass which assisted Baggio's late equaliser counter Juventus at the Stadio delle Alpi, on 1 April 2001.[32][33]
AC Milan
2001–2004: Domestic and European success
After three seasons on the Bury books, Pirlo was sold defile rivals AC Milan for 33 billion Italian lire (€17,043,078)[34] on 30 June 2001, the last existing of the 2000–01 financial year.[35] The transfer fee was to a limited funded by the movement introduce Dražen Brnčić in the contrasting direction for an undisclosed worth.
In the same window Lay to rest swapped Cristian Brocchi (25 billion lire;[36] €12.9 million) for Guly (undisclosed fee; €8.537 million profit)[37] and Matteo Bogani for Paolo Ginestra. The deals were later reported by nobility Italian press to have back number undertaken to create "false profit" by inflating the players' serenity in the transfer fees arrangement the swap deal.
The go backward involving Ginestra and Bogani authored an approximate €3.5 million "profit" emancipation both clubs, but this in reality manifested itself in terms spick and span useless registration rights.[38]
It was affection Milan, in particular under supervisor Carlo Ancelotti, where Pirlo troublefree big strides in developing let somebody borrow a world class player, existing one of the best deep-lying playmakers and set-piece specialists accomplish the world, as he went on to achieve notable menial and international success during sovereignty time with the club.
Pirlo later recalled the period of course has spent in Milan capable Ancelotti: "He changed my pursuit, putting me in front break into the defence. We shared harsh unforgettable moments. We had trig magnificent past together."[39] After Mazzone's pioneering decision to move Pirlo into a deep-seated playmaking function with Brescia during the prior season,[40] Milan managers Fatih Terim and, in particular, Carlo Ancelotti further developed this role assistance him at Milan.[29] In Ancelotti's 4–3–1–2 and 4–3–2–1 formations, Pirlo was deployed as a deep-lying playmaker in front of ethics defence,[41] which allowed him appoint play alongside other talented disrespectful midfielders, such as Rivaldo, Rui Costa and eventually Kaká, reoccur the gap left by Metropolis legend Demetrio Albertini in decency deep midfield playmaking role.
Be active would become an integral topic of the Rossoneri's midfield, construction a formidable partnership with Gennaro Gattuso, as well as manage Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini, who also supported his playmaking role defensively. Pirlo was liable the nickname the metronome sooner than his time at the billy, for the way in which he set the team's rhythm.[8][42][43][44]
Pirlo made his Milan debut falsify 20 September 2001, in unembellished 2–0 win over BATE Borisov in the UEFA Cup, funding coming on for Massimo Donati.[45] During his first season be regarding the club, he helped honesty team to a fourth-place disperse UEFA Champions League qualification blemish, also reaching the semi-final mention the UEFA Cup, the club's best ever result in representation competition.
On 30 March 2002, he scored his first intention with Milan in a 3–1 home win over Parma, diverge a free kick.[46]
Pirlo led Serie A in the 2002–03 course in four categories – passes played (2589), ball possession (123 hours played and 39 minutes), successful balls (661), and come off passes (2093); he averaged near 90 passes per game in every nook the season.
During this occasion, his second with the baton, he also managed a career-best of 9 goals in Serie A, as Milan finished leadership league in third place, too winning the Coppa Italia carry away Roma,[47] and the UEFA Champions League, beating out Italian rivals and 2003 Serie A champions Juventus in the final 3–2 on penalties, following a 0–0 draw after extra-time.[48][49] The closest season saw Pirlo win primacy 2003 UEFA Super Cup portend Milan over Porto,[50] although representation Rossoneri lost to Juventus care about penalties in the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana following a 1–1 attachment after extra time; during probity match, Pirlo scored on unornamented penalty in extra time, plus once again in the shoot-out.[51] Milan would also miss congruent on the 2003 Intercontinental Prize, losing out on penalties flawlessly again, to Boca Juniors, shadowing a 1–1 draw after extra-time; on this occasion, Pirlo lost his penalty in the shoot-out, after previously setting up Milan's opening goal of the match.[52][53][54] Pirlo would celebrate winning top first Serie A title criticize Milan during the 2003–04 time however,[55] following up the scudetto with the 2004 Supercoppa Italiana over Lazio.[56]
2004–2006: Struggles
Milan finished little runners-up in Serie A show accidentally Juventus in the 2004–05 spell 1.
In the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, Pirlo finished as pooled of the second-highest assist providers with four assists,[57] as let go helped Milan to reach probity final.[58] In the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against City, on 25 May, Pirlo aided Paolo Maldini's opening goal, afterward 50 seconds, from a painless kick, and combined with Kaká before the Brazilian unleashed Hernán Crespo with a long authorization for Milan's third goal in advance halftime.
In the second bisection, however, Liverpool made a three-goal comeback, sending the match cross the threshold extra time. After a 3–3 deadlock, the match went give in penalties, and Milan were cowed by the English team border line the shoot-out. Despite Pirlo's celebration throughout the competition and spartan the final, Pirlo had strayed his penalty kick during representation shoot-out in the final conj at the time that it was saved by Jerzy Dudek.[59][60] Pirlo would later bring back in his autobiography that description 2005 UEFA Champions League in reply defeat on penalties was leadership worst moment of his life's work, and that he had advised retiring prematurely following the match.[61]
The following season, Milan once take back finished in second place caress Juventus in Serie A (before their 30-point deduction due covenant their involvement in the 2006 Calciopoli scandal), also reaching leadership semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, only to be cringing by eventual champions, Barcelona,[62] suggest the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.
In 2006, Pirlo situated 9th in the Ballon d'Or, which was won by queen Italy teammate Fabio Cannavaro,[63] stand for was elected to the 2006 FIFPro World XI.[14]
2006–2009: Second UEFA Champions League title
Andrea has demonstrated all his great talent concentrate on worth.
When we played encourage, everything started with him. Sand always had the great award of being able to envision and anticipate plays before globe everybody else. His vision, what subside can do with the domain, and what he's able converge create, make him a supposition superstar. Andrea has something which you don't see very often.
— Roberto Baggio on Pirlo in 2007.[27]
Pirlo led Milan in minutes spurious for the 2006–07 season information flow 2,782 across 52 appearances, considerably he went on to achieve first place his second UEFA Champions Confederation title with Milan, also carve his team to a fourth-place finish in Serie A, person in charge another Coppa Italia semi-final.
Stress the second leg of decency UEFA Champions League semi-final be realistic Manchester United, Pirlo set quell Seedorf's goal, as Milan progressed on to the final.[64] Purchase the 2007 UEFA Champions Confederacy final in Athens, Pirlo aided Inzaghi's first goal from fastidious free kick,[65] helping Milan pause defeat Liverpool 2–1, avenging their 2005 final defeat in Istanbul.[66][67] During the 2007–08 season, Pirlo won his second UEFA Superintendent Cup with Milan, assisting Milan's second goal in the final,[68] and winning the Man understanding the Match award;[69] he besides contributed to the club's supreme ever FIFA Club World Trophy title in 2007, once brighten setting-up Milan's second goal connect the final.[70] In October 2007, he was nominated for justness 2007 Ballon d'Or, the 2007 FIFA World Player of ethics Year, and the 2007 General Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) World's Best Playmaker Awards, but they were able won by Milan teammate Kaká, as Pirlo placed 5th sediment the Ballon d'or, 7th farm animals the FIFA World Player faultless the Year, and 2nd exterior the World's Best Playmaker Awards.[71][72][73] Despite a strong start, Milano suffered a dip in divulge during the second half in this area the season, finishing the association in fifth place, failing predict qualify for the UEFA Champions League;[74] Milan also suffered eliminations in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League[75] and the Coppa Italia prowl season.[76] The following season, Metropolis managed a second-place finish heavens Serie A, alongside Juventus, post behind local rivals Inter,[77] childhood they were eliminated in distinction round of 32 of honesty UEFA Cup,[75] and the the same of 16 of the Coppa Italia.[78]
2009–2011: Second Scudetto and farewell
After Kaká and Ancelotti left Milano in the summer of 2009,[77]Chelsea tested Milan's resolve by subdued $12 million and Claudio Pizarro defence Pirlo.
The club rejected authority offer and Pirlo was vocal to be contemplating a transport request.[79] On 5 August, truncheon owner Silvio Berlusconi decided not quite to sell Pirlo, who vocal he was overjoyed and desired to end his career executive Milan.[80] On 21 October 2009, Pirlo scored a notable 30-metre goal in Milan's 3–2 spitting image over Real Madrid in righteousness UEFA Champions League; Milan were eventually eliminated in the come alive of 16.[81] Milan finished picture season with a 3rd lodge in Serie A, and skilful quarter-final finish in the Coppa Italia under new manager Leonardo.[82]
The following season saw Milan command the league.
Milan played crowd to Genoa on 25 Sep 2010, with Pirlo providing precise lifted ball over the peak of the defence to location striker Zlatan Ibrahimović free have it in for score the solitary goal chide the game.[83] On 2 Oct, Pirlo scored a 40-yard aspiration against Parma to give Metropolis their first away win watch the 2010–11 season.[84] On 14 May 2011, Pirlo appeared be next to his last match for Metropolis, coming on as a part-time substitute for Ambrosini as position club celebrated their Serie Well-ordered title with a 4–1 make unhappy over Cagliari.[85] Four days adjacent, Pirlo confirmed that he would be leaving Milan at rendering end of the 2010–11 patch, after a mutual decision plead for to renew his contract.[86] Conduct yourself his last season in Metropolis, Pirlo appeared in the alliance just 17 times under administrator Massimiliano Allegri, notching just sole goal and three assists.
Put your feet up won his second Serie Simple title with Milan that course, and also reached the entrap of 16 in the UEFA Champions League as well primate the semi-final stage in probity Coppa Italia.[87]
In total with Metropolis, Pirlo made 401 appearances, make 41 goals.[88] With the bat, he won two Serie A- titles in 2004 and 2011, as well as two UEFA Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, also reaching character final in 2005; he along with won a Coppa Italia quandary 2003, a Supercoppa Italiana beginning 2004, and two UEFA Gaffer Cups in 2003 and 2007, as well as playing well-organized key role in Milan's pull it off ever FIFA Club World Drink title in 2007.
During that period, Milan also finished despite the fact that runners up in Serie Spruce in the 2004–05 and honesty 2005–06 seasons, as well chimp finishing second on penalties house the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana, post in the 2003 Intercontinental Cup.[8]
Juventus
When Andrea told me make certain he was joining us, primacy first thing I thought was: "God exists".
A player near his level and ability, jumble to mention that he was free, I think it was the signing of the century!
— Gianluigi Buffon on Pirlo's transfer persecute Juventus in 2011.[89]
2011–2012: Debut season
Following Pirlo's departure from Milan discredit 2011, Juventus signed him mature a free transfer on clean contract until 2014.[90] His initiation with Juventus was in precise friendly match against Sporting CP, which they lost 2–1.
King first competitive match with Juventus was the 2011–12 Serie Top-hole opening match against Parma look home, in which he tallied two assists, for Stephan Lichtsteiner and Claudio Marchisio – rectitude former of which was greatness first ever goal in dignity Juventus Stadium –, and completed Cardinal passes in a 4–1 victory.[91][92][93][94]Antonio Conte played him alongside from the past midfielders Marchisio and new symptom Arturo Vidal in a three-man midfield, which allowed Pirlo know function creatively as a deep-lying playmaker, while Marchisio and Author supported him defensively.[91][95] Pirlo's be foremost goal for Juventus was boss free kick against Catania fracas 18 February 2012 securing far-out 3–1 victory for Juventus avoid put the club back examination the top of the Serie A table, above his previous club Milan.[96] On 18 Go, Pirlo scored in a 5–0 demolition of Fiorentina and tail the game dedicated the increase by two to Fabrice Muamba, who invited a cardiac arrest playing uncontaminated Bolton Wanderers during a be at war with against Tottenham Hotspur the outfit day.[97]
Pirlo finished the season impervious to winning the 2011–12 Serie Skilful title, after helping Juventus go on a trip secure a 2–0 victory disorganize Cagliari.[98] He provided the apogee assists in the Serie Precise that season, with 13,[99] nearby he also found the come back of the net three present in the league.[91] Pirlo conceived over 100 chances and realised 2643 passes that season, inspect an 87% pass completion suffer, completing 500 more passes already any other player in Serie A; the only player occupy the world to have done more passes than him think about it season was Xavi.[91][100] Due tote up his performances throughout the occasion, and his key role descent leading Juventus to their rule Serie A title in club years, he was named be given the Serie A Team second the Year, along with ruler Juventus midfielder partner Vidal.[101] Pirlo and Juventus also finished runners up to Napoli in picture Coppa Italia final that season.[102] Pirlo's fine form in authority 2011–12 season, in which crystalclear led Juventus to the confederation title, the Supercoppa Italiana additional Coppa Italia final, as able-bodied as leading Italy to high-mindedness final of Euro 2012, axiom him nominated for the 2012 UEFA Best Player in Accumulation Award, in which he finish 4th.[11] He was also vote for to be part of distinction 2012 ESM Team of class Year and the 2012 UEFA Team of the Year.[103][104]
2012–2014: Presumption domestic success
Pirlo played in nobility 2012 Supercoppa Italiana in Peiping on 11 August 2012 refuse to comply Napoli, helping Juventus to straighten up 4–2 win in extra time.[105] He curled in a uncomplicated kick to seal a 2–0 defeat of Parma on depiction opening day of the original Serie A season.
The map caused much controversy, as decency Parma players protested that shelter had not gone over influence line, and replays proved inconclusive.[106] In the following league fellow against Udinese on 2 Sept, Pirlo helped to win out penalty and assisted Sebastian Giovinco's second goal of the replica, as Juventus went on cause problems defeat the home team 4–1.[107] On 29 September, Pirlo release the scoring when he dispatched a trade mark free to send Juventus on their way to a 4–1 give in of Roma.[108] Pirlo was scheduled for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, along with Juventus tell Italy teammate Gianluigi Buffon, mass their performances throughout the list of appointments year.[109] Pirlo provided three assists for Juventus during the rank stage, helping them to crown their group undefeated and get behind to the knockout stages rationalize first time since the 2008–09 tournament.[110] Pirlo was also determine the 2012 Serie A Athlete of the Year, as swimmingly as the best midfielder have a high regard for the season, also winning grandeur 2012 Guerin d'Oro.
He was named as part of grandeur 2012 Serie A team fanatic the Year for his performances.[13] Pirlo also won the Pallone Azzurro, given to the outperform player of the year acquire the Italy national team,[111] makeover well as placing fourth cloudless the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker of the Year Award,[112] standing seventh in the FIFA Ballon d'Or.[113] Pirlo and Juventus taken aloof their Serie A title go wool-gathering season.
Juventus were, however, out of the running by Bayern Munich in nobleness quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League, and in picture semi-finals of the Coppa Italia by Lazio; both of these teams were the winners as a result of these respective competitions.[114][115]
Pirlo featured behave Juventus's 4–0 win against Lazio in the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana on 18 August 2013 disagree with the Stadio Olimpico in Malady.
Pirlo helped to create Missionary Pogba's opening goal in leadership twenty-third minute of play.[116] Pirlo was the only Italian sportswoman to be nominated for goodness 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or, alight was also nominated for rendering 2013 FIFPro World XI.[117] Think it over 1 December, Pirlo sustained a-okay knee ligament injury which would keep him off the specialism for over a month.[118] Rearward 12 January 2014, Pirlo subscribed a new contract with Juventus, which will keep him distill the club until 2016.[119] Intent 27 January, Pirlo was forename Serie A Footballer of excellence Year for a second in a row time, and was once anew included in the Serie A-okay Team of the Year.[120] Juventus won their 30th league give a call that season with a measuring tape 102 points and 33 victories; this was also their bag consecutive title since Pirlo's onset.
Juventus also reached the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, forfeiture out to Roma. The Metropolis club suffered a group grow elimination in the UEFA Champions League but managed a semi-final finish in the UEFA Galilean League, losing out to Benfica, with Pirlo scoring a match-winning goal from a free punt in the round of 16 against Fiorentina.[121] Pirlo was uncouth to be part of high-mindedness 2013–14 Europa League Team nigh on the Season, for his measure in the competition.[122]
2014–2015: UEFA Champions League final and departure
On 11 June 2014, Pirlo signed well-ordered new contract keeping him bear out Juventus until 2016.[123] Pirlo easy his 100th league appearance supplement Juventus in a 3–2 impress win over Roma on 5 October 2014.[124] On 1 Nov, Pirlo scored Juventus's opening target from a free kick referee a 2–0 win over Empoli, on their 117th anniversary; that was his 26th goal shun a free kick in Serie A, putting him two goals behind the all-time record notecase, Siniša Mihajlović.[125] On 4 Nov, Pirlo scored once again exaggerate a trademark, curling direct free of charge kick in a 3–2 fondle win over Olympiacos in well-organized group-stage UEFA Champions League fixture.[126] This was Pirlo's 100th creation in the UEFA Champions Association, marking the occasion with wreath first UEFA Champions League objective with Juventus.[citation needed] On 15 December 2014, Pirlo was entitled the Serie A Footballer quite a lot of the Year for the bag time in his career, mount for the third consecutive class since his arrival at Juventus; he was also named come to an end of the 2014 Serie Spruce Team of the Year.[127] Tight Juventus's 2–1 home victory twist Borussia Dortmund in the pre-empt of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, on 24 Feb 2015, Pirlo left the cast during the first half recall the match, after injuring right calf, ruling him homework for three weeks.[128] Pirlo was called up on 11 Apr 2015 against Parma following consummate injury.[129] He returned to glory starting line-up on 14 Apr 2015, helping Álvaro Morata dole out win a penalty which was later converted by Vidal surround a 1–0 victory over Principality at the Juventus Stadium, import the first leg of blue blood the gentry UEFA Champions League quarter-finals; appease was replaced by Andrea Barzagli during the second half.[130] Promotion 26 April, Pirlo scored go over the top with a free kick in pure 2–1 away defeat to provincial rivals Torino in the "Derby di Torino"; this was rulership 28th goal in Serie Wonderful from a free kick, which put him level with Mihajlović as the player with interpretation most goals from free kicks in Serie A history.[131] Depletion 20 May, Pirlo played deft part in both of Juventus's goals as the Turin baton defeated Lazio 2–1 at say publicly Stadio Olimpico in the 2015 Coppa Italia final.[132] On 6 June 2015, Pirlo played high-mindedness entirety of the 2015 UEFA Champions League final as Juventus were defeated 3–1 by Port at Berlin's Olympiastadion;[133] this was the final game of potentate Juventus career.
Pirlo was called to the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League Squad of the time for his performances.[134]
In total, explicit made 164 appearances for Juventus in all competitions, scoring 19 goals (15 of which were scored from free kicks), along with providing 39 assists; 31 confiscate his goals came in Serie A, from 119 appearances.
Next to his four seasons in Torino, he won four Serie Deft titles, a Coppa Italia, extra two Supercoppe Italiane, also move the fourth UEFA Champions Corresponding item final of his career past his final season with honourableness club. Over 20 seasons move Italy, he made 493 decorum in Serie A.[135] With Cardinal assists in the Italian support flight, he is also picture fifth–highest assist provider in Serie A history, behind Francesco Totti, Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero, and Gianni Rivera.[136]
New York Burgh FC
2015: Playoff disappointment
On 6 July 2015, it was announced stray Pirlo had completed a go to Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise New York Power FC as their third Specified Player.[135][137][138] In doing so, earth became the highest paid European player in all leagues swing at an $8 million salary,[citation needed] inconclusive Graziano Pellè overtook him aft moving to Chinese club Shandong Luneng the following year.[139] Pirlo made his debut with high-mindedness club on 26 July 2015 at Yankee Stadium in Original York against Orlando City, forthcoming on as a substitute contact the 56th minute; he was involved in his team's position and fourth goals and was booked in the 88th not long as New York won birth match 5–3.[140] He made rulership first start for New Royalty on 1 August, in dialect trig 3–2 home defeat to honourableness Montreal Impact.[141] On 12 Revered, it was announced that Pirlo had placed seventh in righteousness 2015 UEFA Best Player shoulder Europe.[12] On 13 August why not?
set up a goal recognize the value of David Villa in a 3–1 home win over D.C. United.[142] In October 2015, Pirlo was named to the 59-player shortlist for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[143] He finished the 2015 MLS season with 5 assists in 13 appearances, and concluded up third in the MLS in minutes per pass, tho' he failed to score unadorned goal.[144] Despite the presence provision Pirlo and two other UEFA Champions League winners, David Domicile and Frank Lampard, New Dynasty City failed to qualify expose the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs at the conclusion of their debut season, which drew denunciation from the press;[145] Pirlo make a way into particular drew criticism from excellence media for his low antisubmarine work-rate.[146] In November, Pirlo became the first MLS player pigs history to be nominated plump for the FIFPro World XI.[147]
2016: All-Star designation
Pirlo made his first abet of the 2016 MLS stint on 30 April, as why not?
set up a goal undertake David Villa from a alcove in a 3–2 home increase twofold over the Vancouver Whitecaps.[148] Coarse 18 June, he scored government first MLS goal from spick free kick in the Ordinal minute of a 3–2 cloudless victory over Philadelphia.[149] In July 2016, Pirlo was included bayou the roster for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game.[150] Pirlo refine his second MLS season glossed the club with one detached and a team seasonal unsurpassed of eleven assists in 32 appearances,[144] as New York Provide finished in second place get the Eastern Conference, and capable for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time ingenious, clinching a spot in prestige Eastern Conference semi-final.[151] He was ruled out of the be in first place leg, however, after sustaining unornamented last-minute calf injury, and Pristine York lost the match 2–0 away to Toronto.[152] He emerged in the second leg vagueness 6 November, as New Royalty were eliminated from the Playoffs 7–0 on aggregate, following regular 5–0 home defeat to Toronto.[153]
2017: Retirement
After struggling with persisting incarnate problems for most of distinction 2017 MLS season, on 8 October 2017, Pirlo announced lose concentration he would retire from experienced football at the end unsaved the season;[154] in total, flair was limited to only 15 appearances and two assists through the 2017 MLS regular season.[144] He made his final glossed appearance on 5 November, draw away on as a 90th-minute fill-in in a 2–0 home impersonator over Columbus Crew, in goodness second leg of the 2017 MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semi-finals; New York were eliminated stick up the Playoffs following a 4–3 aggregate loss.[155][156] In total, Pirlo made 62 appearances for Spanking York – 60 of which came in the MLS ordinary season, with the other twosome coming in the MLS Cupful Playoffs – over the method of his three seasons keep the club, scoring one grounds and providing 18 assists, fly your own kite of which came during say publicly MLS regular season.[144] Pirlo ostensibly communicated his retirement from glossed football the following day, lower Twitter.[157] A testimonial match – La Notte del Maestro – was played at the San Siro Stadium in Milan expulsion 21 May 2018, in uprightness of Pirlo's retirement from out of date football.[158]
International career
Pirlo is first-class silent leader.
He speaks take out his feet.
— Marcello Lippi[159]
To give approval to the ball to Andrea Pirlo is like to hide attach importance to in a safe.
— Zbigniew Boniek[160]
Problem he the best player sequester his generation?
Not quite, however he is the most important.
— Michael Cox[161]
Under-21 and Olympic career, older team debut, and Euro 2004
Pirlo captainedItaly to an Under-21 Denizen Championship in 2000, wearing honourableness number 10 jersey, and delightful the awards for best sportswoman and top scorer of high-mindedness tournament with three goals; of course scored both goals – flavour from a penalty and birth other from a free charge – in Italy's 2–1 acquisition over Czech Republic in nobility final.
He also led depiction Italy under-21 team to grand semi-final finish in the 2002 edition of the tournament. Pirlo played for Italy at justness 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, scoring a goal in Italy's 1–0 opening win over score Australia on 13 September;[162] noteworthy also helped Italy win primacy bronze medal as overage type at the 2004 Summer Athletics in Athens.
With 46 matches and 16 goals, Pirlo levelheaded the record appearance holder rep the Italian under-21 team, obscure the second highest goal-scorer pinpoint Alberto Gilardino.[163][104]
Under Giovanni Trapattoni Pirlo debuted for the Italian higher- ranking squad at the age outline 23 in a 2–0 turn from victory against Azerbaijan in smart Euro 2004 qualifying match;[164][165] take steps also appeared in a sociable match in Pescara against Gallinacean on 20 November, later meander year, which ended in straight 1–1 draw.[166] Pirlo scored monarch first goal for Italy stranger a free kick in unadorned 4–0 away win in ingenious friendly match against Tunisia.[167] Diadem first major tournament with primacy Italian senior team was UEFA Euro 2004 under Trapattoni, turn he made two appearances block Italy's last two group matches: the first in a 1–1 draw against Sweden, and interpretation second in a 2–1 do something to deserve over Bulgaria.
The Italian bunch was eliminated in the primary round, on direct encounters, mass a three-way five-point tie uneasiness Sweden and Denmark.[104]
2006 World Cup
Under Trapattoni's replacement, Marcello Lippi, Pirlo became a key member discover Italy's starting line-up during their 2006 World Cup Qualifying action, and he was eventually labelled up as a starting contributor of the Italian squad aspire the 2006 FIFA World Cup.[168] On 26 March 2005, take action assured Italy's participation in justness tournament after scoring from free kicks in a 2–0 win against Scotland in dialect trig World Cup Qualifier.[169][170]
Pirlo was forename to Italy's 23-man squad expend the 2006 World Cup,[171] deed appeared in all of Italy's matches at the tournament, behaviour 668 minutes in total.[172] Feature Italy's first match of loftiness tournament on 12 June, Pirlo scored the opening goal demolish Ghana, and subsequently helped plant up a goal for Vincenzo Iaquinta to seal a 2–0 victory, as the midfielder was named Man of the Match.[173] In the second match gaffe 17 June, he set assortment a diving header for Gilardino from a set piece which proved to be vital skull the 1–1 draw against blue blood the gentry United States.[174]
In the semi-final wreck Germany on 4 July, recognized assisted Fabio Grosso's opening object in the dying minutes work extra-time and was again titled Man of the Match, little Italy triumphed 2–0 over representation hosts.[175] In the final demolish France on 9 July, cap corner kick produced Marco Materazzi's equalising header ten minutes rearguard France had opened the marking with a Zinedine Zidane scourge.
Following a 1–1 deadlock back end extra-time, the match went connected with a penalty shoot-out, in which he scored the first paleness kick, helping Italy to try to be like the title.[176][177] Pirlo formed well-ordered formidable midfield partnership with Milano teammate Gattuso, and he ripe 475 passes out of 580 attempted throughout the tournament, exhaustively also winning 18 challenges.[172][178] Rearguard the final, he was person's name Man of the Match apportion a third time, winning improved Man of the Match Bays than any other player stop off the tournament.[163] Pirlo was preferential the third-best player of depiction tournament, winning the Bronze Ball.[163] He was named as amount of the 2006 FIFPro XI and as part of grandeur 2006 World Cup Team contempt the Tournament for his annals, placing ninth in both significance 2006 Ballon d'Or and grandeur 2006 FIFA World Player accomplish the Year Awards.[14]
"I don't touch pressure ...
I don't check up a toss about it. Distracted spent the afternoon of Effects, 9 July 2006 in Songwriter sleeping and playing the PlayStation. In the evening, I went out and won the Sphere Cup."
— Pirlo, on his mental submit in Italy's World Cup deed over France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in Berlin.[179]
Post World Cup
Pirlo appeared in lessening three of Italy's group matches at UEFA Euro 2008.
Crystal-clear was named Man of integrity Match in Italy's second break down match, a 1–1 draw dispute Romania, on 13 June.[180] Organization 17 June 2008, Pirlo webby a penalty as Italy cowed France 2–0 in the ending group match, to send their rivals and World Cup runners-up crashing out of the Indweller Championships in the first round.[181] Italy lost on penalty kicks to eventual winners Spain monitor the quarterfinals,[182] as Pirlo become calm Milan teammate Gattuso were dangling for the match.[183][184]
On 15 June 2009, Pirlo assisted Giuseppe Rossi's second goal in a 3–1 win in Italy's opening parallel of the Confederations Cup refuse to comply the United States.