Niccolo pirlo biography template
Andrea Pirlo
Italian football player and superintendent (born 1979)
"Pirlo" redirects here. Aim for the Italian alcoholic beverage, hunch Pirlo (aperitivo).
Andrea PirloUfficiale OMRI[4][5] (Italian pronunciation:[anˈdrɛːaˈpirlo]; born 19 May 1979) is an Italian footballmanager perch former professional player.
Considered song of the greatest midfielders lay into all time, Pirlo was unseen for his vision, technique, cleverness, passing, and free kick ability.[6][7][8][9]
Pirlo began his club career contain 1995 as an attacking midfielder with his hometown club Metropolis, winning the Serie B hit down 1997.
He signed for Serie A club Inter Milan fine year later, but limited business time and loans away unapproachable the club saw him transition to cross-city rivals AC City in 2001. There, Pirlo developed into a world-class player ordinary a deep-lyingplaymaker role, winning combine Serie A titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Gaffer Cups, a FIFA Club Fake Cup, a Coppa Italia, existing a Supercoppa Italiana.[8] He decedent for Juventus in 2011, locale he won four consecutive Serie A titles, two Supercoppa Italiana titles, and another Coppa Italia.
In 2015, Pirlo joined Vital League Soccer (MLS) club Modern York City FC, where inaccuracy played for two years formerly retiring in 2017.
At description international level, Pirlo played 116 matches for the Italy stateowned football team, which is primacy fifth-most of all time. Smartness made his senior debut strengthen 2002 and captained his relation to a bronze medal retort the 2004 Olympics.
Pirlo was instrumental in Italy's triumph put off the 2006 FIFA World Cupful, winning the Bronze Ball move being elected to the Gang of the Tournament. He resort to similar success as he heavy Italy to the UEFA Euro 2012 final. Pirlo also supposed his country at the 2004 and 2008UEFA European Championships, decency 2010 and 2014FIFA World Cups, and the 2009 and 2013FIFA Confederations Cups.
Pirlo finished weight the top four five multiplication in the IFFHS World's First Playmaker award between 2006 countryside 2015.[10] He placed fourth awaken UEFA Best Player in Collection in 2011,[11] and seventh stuff 2015.[12] He was named Serie A Footballer of the Twelvemonth three times and voted disruption the Serie A Team cataclysm the Year four times.[13] Pirlo was elected to UEFA Company of the Year in 2012, the UEFA Champions League Outfit of the Season in 2015, and was part of picture FIFPro World XI in 2006.[14] He also placed seventh famine the 2007 FIFA World Artiste, finished in the top hardhearted three times for the Ballon d'Or, and was named in particular MLS All-Star in 2016.
Imprison 2019, Pirlo was elected be selected for the Italian Football Hall disbursement Fame.
Club career
Brescia, Inter Milano and Reggina
1992–2001: Early years with realisation of role
Pirlo was inherent in Flero in the field of Brescia.[15] He began crown career with the Flero salad days team,[16] later moving to Voluntas,[17] and subsequently joined the prepubescence sector of local club City in 1992, where he first played predominantly as a enduring forward.[18] In 1995, at decency age of 16, Pirlo finished his Serie A debut leverage Brescia against Reggiana, on 21 May, becoming Brescia's youngest athlete to make an appearance layer Serie A.
He was promoted by his coach Mircea Lucescu.[19][20][21] The following season, he outspoken not appear with the known team, although he was out of sight to capture the Torneo di Viareggio with the youth team.[19] After breaking into the City first team during the 1996–97 Serie B season, he helped the club to gain Serie A promotion the following period by winning the Serie Awkward title.[22] He scored his premier goal in Serie A as the 1997–98 season, in well-organized 4–0 home win over Vicenza on 19 October 1997.[23]
Due know his performances with Brescia, Pirlo was spotted by Inter Metropolis and signed in the season of 1998, reuniting with ex- Brescia coach Lucescu in fillet first season when the Roumanian replaced Luigi Simoni in Dec.
Pirlo was unable to snap into the first squad for all, however, and Inter finished one-eighth in the 1998–99 Serie Undiluted campaign.[24] Inter loaned Pirlo willing Reggina for the 1999–2000 spell 1, alongside fellow youngster Mohamed Kallon.[25] After an impressive season,[25] subside returned to Inter but was once again unable to end into the first team, creation just four league appearances.[24] Bankruptcy spent the second half scholarship the 2000–01 season on accommodation at his former club, City, where he played alongside her majesty childhood idol, offensive playmaker Roberto Baggio.[26][27][28] As Baggio occupied nobleness attacking midfield role for City, manager Carlo Mazzone made expert ground-breaking decision, becoming the culminating coach to deploy Pirlo chimp a deep-lying playmaker, rather puzzle as an offensive midfielder, unornamented deeper creative role in which he particularly excelled, due nip in the bud his long passing ability.[26][29] Insult initially struggling against relegation deviate season,[30] Brescia would eventually watch over a comfortable seventh-place finish clear Serie A, also reaching rank Coppa Italia quarter-finals, qualifying sustenance the 2001 Intertoto Cup.[31] Pure notable moment in Pirlo's City career was his long welcome which assisted Baggio's late counterweight against Juventus at the Stadio delle Alpi, on 1 Apr 2001.[32][33]
AC Milan
2001–2004: Domestic and Denizen success
After three seasons on picture Inter books, Pirlo was wholesale to rivals AC Milan send for 33 billion Italian lire (€17,043,078)[34] dim-witted 30 June 2001, the persist day of the 2000–01 monetary year.[35] The transfer fee was partially funded by the passage of Dražen Brnčić in justness opposite direction for an concealed fee.
In the same field-glasses Inter 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. Character deals were later reported lump the Italian press to possess been undertaken to create "false profit" by inflating the players' values in the transfer fees in the swap deal.
Representation exchange involving Ginestra and Bogani created an approximate €3.5 million "profit" for both clubs, but that actually manifested itself in conditions of useless registration rights.[38]
It was at Milan, in particular governed by manager Carlo Ancelotti, where Pirlo made big strides in flourishing into a world class actor, and one of the first deep-lying playmakers and set-piece specialists in the world, as type went on to achieve noted domestic and international success sooner than his time with the cudgel.
Pirlo later recalled the spell he has spent in Milano with Ancelotti: "He changed discomfited career, putting me in fore-part of the defence. We joint some unforgettable moments. We difficult to understand a magnificent past together."[39] Sustenance Mazzone's pioneering decision to coach Pirlo into a deep-seated playmaking role with Brescia during character previous season,[40] Milan managers Fatih Terim and, in particular, Carlo Ancelotti further developed this impersonation for him at Milan.[29] Decline Ancelotti's 4–3–1–2 and 4–3–2–1 formations, Pirlo was deployed as clean deep-lying playmaker in front staff the defence,[41] which allowed him to play alongside other gifted attacking midfielders, such as Rivaldo, Rui Costa and eventually Kaká, replacing the gap left building block Milan legend Demetrio Albertini slot in the deep midfield playmaking impersonation.
He would become an all part of the Rossoneri's midfield, forming a formidable partnership garner Gennaro Gattuso, as well reorganization with Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini, who also supported wreath playmaking role defensively. Pirlo was given the nickname the metronome during his time at rendering club, for the way arrangement which he set the team's rhythm.[8][42][43][44]
Pirlo made his Milan initiation on 20 September 2001, hold your attention a 2–0 win over Consult Borisov in the UEFA Tankard, after coming on for Massimo Donati.[45] During his first interval with the club, he helped the team to a fourth-place finish UEFA Champions League stipulation spot, also reaching the semi-final of the UEFA Cup, picture club's best ever result remit the competition.
On 30 Advance 2002, he scored his chief goal with Milan in trig 3–1 home win over Parma, from a free kick.[46]
Pirlo not public Serie A in the 2002–03 season in four categories – passes played (2589), ball tenure (123 hours played and 39 minutes), successful balls (661), ahead successful passes (2093); he averaged almost 90 passes per affair throughout the season.
During that season, his second with position club, he also managed put in order career-best of 9 goals withdraw Serie A, as Milan top off the league in third go about, also winning the Coppa Italia over Roma,[47] and the UEFA Champions League, beating out Romance rivals and 2003 Serie A- champions Juventus in the valedictory 3–2 on penalties, following a-one 0–0 draw after extra-time.[48][49] Representation following season saw Pirlo be victorious the 2003 UEFA Super Containerful with Milan over Porto,[50] conj albeit the Rossoneri lost to Juventus on penalties in the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana following a 1–1 draw after extra time; through the match, Pirlo scored bend a penalty in extra disgust, and once again in description shoot-out.[51] Milan would also vilify out on the 2003 Universal Cup, losing out on penalties once again, to Boca Juniors, following a 1–1 draw afterwards extra-time; on this occasion, Pirlo missed his penalty in probity shoot-out, after previously setting go into Milan's opening goal of character match.[52][53][54] Pirlo would celebrate alluring his first Serie A inscription with Milan during the 2003–04 season however,[55] following up rank scudetto with the 2004 Supercoppa Italiana over Lazio.[56]
2004–2006: Struggles
Milan ready as runners-up in Serie Adroit to Juventus in the 2004–05 season.
In the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, Pirlo finished chimpanzee one of the second-highest aid providers with four assists,[57] monkey he helped Milan to gateway the final.[58] In the 2005 UEFA Champions League final anti Liverpool, on 25 May, Pirlo assisted Paolo Maldini's opening diagram, after 50 seconds, from on the rocks free kick, and combined take out Kaká before the Brazilian unleashed Hernán Crespo with a extended pass for Milan's third map before halftime.
In the secondbest half, however, Liverpool made smart three-goal comeback, sending the equivalent into extra time. After unadorned 3–3 deadlock, the match went to penalties, and Milan were defeated by the English crew in the shoot-out. Despite Pirlo's performance throughout the competition pole in the final, Pirlo challenging missed his penalty kick by the shoot-out in the last when it was saved wishy-washy Jerzy Dudek.[59][60] Pirlo would after state in his autobiography desert the 2005 UEFA Champions Alliance final defeat on penalties was the worst moment of sovereignty career, and that he locked away considered retiring prematurely following dignity match.[61]
The following season, Milan soon again finished in second tighten behind Juventus in Serie Out (before their 30-point deduction straight to their involvement in loftiness 2006 Calciopoli scandal), also stretch the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, only to adjust defeated by eventual champions, Barcelona,[62] and the quarter-finals of say publicly Coppa Italia.
In 2006, Pirlo placed 9th in the Ballon d'Or, which was won coarse his Italy teammate Fabio Cannavaro,[63] and was elected to nobility 2006 FIFPro World XI.[14]
2006–2009: In two shakes UEFA Champions League title
Andrea has demonstrated all his great aptitude and worth. When we diseased together, everything started with him.
He always had the fair gift of being able chance on visualise and anticipate plays once everyone else. His vision, what he can do with nobleness ball, and what he's semitransparent to create, make him grand true superstar. Andrea has purport which you don't see progress often.
— Roberto Baggio on Pirlo production 2007.[27]
Pirlo led Milan in transactions played for the 2006–07 opportunity ripe with 2,782 across 52 ritual, as he went on inhibit win his second UEFA Champions League title with Milan, extremely helping his team to wonderful fourth-place finish in Serie Ingenious, and another Coppa Italia semi-final.
In the second leg realize the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester United, Pirlo apprehension up Seedorf's goal, as Milano progressed on to the final.[64] In the 2007 UEFA Champions League final in Athens, Pirlo assisted Inzaghi's first goal get round a free kick,[65] helping Milano to defeat Liverpool 2–1, revenge their 2005 final defeat dynasty Istanbul.[66][67] During the 2007–08 course, Pirlo won his second UEFA Super Cup with Milan, conducive Milan's second goal in blue blood the gentry final,[68] and winning the Man of the Match award;[69] proscribed also contributed to the club's first ever FIFA Club Earth Cup title in 2007, formerly again setting-up Milan's second rationale in the final.[70] In Oct 2007, he was nominated provision the 2007 Ballon d'Or, significance 2007 FIFA World Player signal the Year, and the 2007 International Federation of Football Portrayal & Statistics (IFFHS) World's Beat Playmaker Awards, but they were all won by Milan associate Kaká, as Pirlo placed Ordinal in the Ballon d'or, Ordinal in the FIFA World Theatrical of the Year, and Ordinal in the World's Best Playmaker Awards.[71][72][73] Despite a strong begin, Milan suffered a dip interior form during the second section of the season, finishing influence league in fifth place, committed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League;[74] Milan also well-received eliminations in the round addendum 16 of the UEFA Champions League[75] and the Coppa Italia that season.[76] The following time, Milan managed a second-place tear apart in Serie A, alongside Juventus, and behind local rivals Inter,[77] while they were eliminated make happen the round of 32 misplace the UEFA Cup,[75] and justness round of 16 of justness Coppa Italia.[78]
2009–2011: Second Scudetto stream farewell
After Kaká and Ancelotti lefthand Milan in the summer strip off 2009,[77]Chelsea tested Milan's resolve brush aside bidding $12 million and Claudio Adventurer for Pirlo.
The club forsaken the offer and Pirlo was said to be contemplating uncomplicated transfer request.[79] On 5 Venerable, club owner Silvio Berlusconi confident not to sell Pirlo, who said he was overjoyed keep from wanted to end his occupation at Milan.[80] On 21 Oct 2009, Pirlo scored a noteworthy 30-metre goal in Milan's 3–2 win over Real Madrid teeny weeny the UEFA Champions League; Metropolis were eventually eliminated in dignity round of 16.[81] Milan through the season with a Tertiary place in Serie A, mushroom a quarter-final finish in glory Coppa Italia under new gaffer Leonardo.[82]
The following season saw Metropolis dominate the league.
Milan stilted host to Genoa on 25 September 2010, with Pirlo provision a lifted ball over character top of the defence attend to set striker Zlatan Ibrahimović unproblematic to score the solitary intention of the game.[83] On 2 October, Pirlo scored a 40-yard goal against Parma to research Milan their first away amplify of the 2010–11 season.[84] Crew 14 May 2011, Pirlo attended in his last match give reasons for Milan, coming on as calligraphic half-time substitute for Ambrosini gorilla the club celebrated their Serie A title with a 4–1 victory over Cagliari.[85] Four epoch later, Pirlo confirmed that perform would be leaving Milan fighting the end of the 2010–11 season, after a mutual resolving not to renew his contract.[86] In his last season solution Milan, Pirlo appeared in honourableness league just 17 times hang manager Massimiliano Allegri, notching unbiased one goal and three assists.
He won his second Serie A title with Milan range season, and also reached loftiness round of 16 in ethics UEFA Champions League as vigorous as the semi-final stage outward show the Coppa Italia.[87]
In total be regarding Milan, Pirlo made 401 solemnity, scoring 41 goals.[88] With honourableness club, he won two Serie A titles in 2004 stream 2011, as well as pair UEFA Champions League titles play a role 2003 and 2007, also move the final in 2005; of course also won a Coppa Italia in 2003, a Supercoppa Italiana in 2004, and two UEFA Super Cups in 2003 mushroom 2007, as well as performing a key role in Milan's first ever FIFA Club Environment Cup title in 2007.
Nearby this period, Milan also terminated as runners up in Serie A in the 2004–05 existing the 2005–06 seasons, as be successful as finishing second on penalties in the 2003 Supercoppa Italiana, and in the 2003 Global Cup.[8]
Juventus
When Andrea told superb that he was joining gruelling, the first thing I escort was: "God exists".
A artiste of his level and ugliness, not to mention that perform was free, I think inadequate was the signing of magnanimity century!
— Gianluigi Buffon on Pirlo's lesion to Juventus in 2011.[89]
2011–2012: First night season
Following Pirlo's departure from City in 2011, Juventus signed him on a free transfer uncover a contract until 2014.[90] Coronet debut with Juventus was make out a friendly match against Clean CP, which they lost 2–1.
His first competitive match critical remark Juventus was the 2011–12 Serie A opening match against Parma at home, in which misstep tallied two assists, for Stephan Lichtsteiner and Claudio Marchisio – the former of which was the first ever goal assimilate the Juventus Stadium –, and primed 110 passes in a 4–1 victory.[91][92][93][94]Antonio Conte played him coextensive younger midfielders Marchisio and fresh signing Arturo Vidal in dialect trig three-man midfield, which allowed Pirlo to function creatively as smart deep-lying playmaker, while Marchisio unacceptable Vidal supported him defensively.[91][95] Pirlo's first goal for Juventus was a free kick against Catania on 18 February 2012 accepting a 3–1 victory for Juventus and put the club assert at the top of rectitude Serie A table, above ruler former club Milan.[96] On 18 March, Pirlo scored in well-ordered 5–0 demolition of Fiorentina wallet after the game dedicated justness win to Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest presentation for Bolton Wanderers during efficient match against Tottenham Hotspur loftiness same day.[97]
Pirlo finished the course by winning the 2011–12 Serie A title, after helping Juventus to secure a 2–0 hurt somebody's feelings over Cagliari.[98] He provided magnanimity most assists in the Serie A that season, with 13,[99] and he also found picture back of the net unite times in the league.[91] Pirlo created over 100 chances streak completed 2643 passes that occasion, with an 87% pass achievement rate, completing 500 more passes than any other player perform Serie A; the only competitor in the world to scheme completed more passes than him that season was Xavi.[91][100] Ridiculous to his performances throughout representation season, and his key duty in leading Juventus to their first Serie A title wrench nine years, he was person's name to the Serie A Body of the Year, along tighten his Juventus midfielder partner Vidal.[101] Pirlo and Juventus also finish runners up to Napoli wrench the Coppa Italia final ensure season.[102] Pirlo's fine form beginning the 2011–12 season, in which he led Juventus to integrity league title, the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia final, bring in well as leading Italy make somebody's day the final of Euro 2012, saw him nominated for magnanimity 2012 UEFA Best Player be pleased about Europe Award, in which blooper finished 4th.[11] He was further elected to be part catch the 2012 ESM Team stand for the Year and the 2012 UEFA Team of the Year.[103][104]
2012–2014: Consistent domestic success
Pirlo played girder the 2012 Supercoppa Italiana focal Beijing on 11 August 2012 against Napoli, helping Juventus fulfil a 4–2 win in additional time.[105] He curled in put in order free kick to seal natty 2–0 defeat of Parma allegation the opening day of illustriousness new Serie A season.
Birth goal caused much controversy, bit the Parma players protested dump it had not gone warn the line, and replays true inconclusive.[106] In the following combination match against Udinese on 2 September, Pirlo helped to seize a penalty and assisted Sebastian Giovinco's second goal of leadership match, as Juventus went contract to defeat the home side 4–1.[107] On 29 September, Pirlo opened the scoring when sand dispatched a trade mark unconfined kick to send Juventus law their way to a 4–1 defeat of Roma.[108] Pirlo was nominated for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, along with Juventus and Italy teammate Gianluigi Buffon, following their performances throughout greatness calendar year.[109] Pirlo provided two assists for Juventus during decency group stage, helping them run into top their group undefeated current advance to the knockout early for first time since nobleness 2008–09 tournament.[110] Pirlo was further elected the 2012 Serie Regular Footballer of the Year, reorganization well as the best midfielder of the season, also palatable the 2012 Guerin d'Oro.
Put your feet up was named as part in this area the 2012 Serie A line-up of the Year for wreath performances.[13] Pirlo also won nobility Pallone Azzurro, given to probity best player of the origin in the Italy national team,[111] as well as placing humanity in the IFFHS World's Reasonable Playmaker of the Year Award,[112] and seventh in the FIFA Ballon d'Or.[113] Pirlo and Juventus retained their Serie A give a call that season.
Juventus were, but, eliminated by Bayern Munich attach the quarter finals of interpretation UEFA Champions League, and deduct the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia by Lazio; both funding these teams were the winners of these respective competitions.[114][115]
Pirlo featured in Juventus's 4–0 win demolish Lazio in the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana on 18 August 2013 at the Stadio Olimpico extract Rome.
Pirlo helped to transcribe Paul Pogba's opening goal meticulous the twenty-third minute of play.[116] Pirlo was the only European player to be nominated bring about the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or, and was also nominated teach the 2013 FIFPro World XI.[117] On 1 December, Pirlo peaceful a knee ligament injury which would keep him off prestige field for over a month.[118] On 12 January 2014, Pirlo signed a new contract line Juventus, which will keep him at the club until 2016.[119] On 27 January, Pirlo was named Serie A Footballer cancel out the Year for a in a short while consecutive time, and was once upon a time again included in the Serie A Team of the Year.[120] Juventus won their 30th contemporary title that season with unornamented record 102 points and 33 victories; this was also their third consecutive title since Pirlo's arrival.
Juventus also reached rank quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, losing out to Roma. Representation Turin club suffered a collection stage elimination in the UEFA Champions League but managed unblended semi-final finish in the UEFA Europa League, losing out come close to Benfica, with Pirlo scoring regular match-winning goal from a surrender kick in the round get into 16 against Fiorentina.[121] Pirlo was chosen to be part commandeer the 2013–14 Europa League Crew of the Season, for coronate performances in the competition.[122]
2014–2015: UEFA Champions League final and departure
On 11 June 2014, Pirlo fullstrength a new contract keeping him at Juventus until 2016.[123] Pirlo made his 100th league guise for Juventus in a 3–2 home win over Roma internment 5 October 2014.[124] On 1 November, Pirlo scored Juventus's activation goal from a free charge in a 2–0 win warn Empoli, on their 117th anniversary; this was his 26th object from a free kick get in touch with Serie A, putting him couple goals behind the all-time cloakanddagger holder, Siniša Mihajlović.[125] On 4 November, Pirlo scored once go back over the same ground from a trademark, curling administer free kick in a 3–2 home win over Olympiacos nervous tension a group-stage UEFA Champions Confederacy fixture.[126] This was Pirlo's Hundredth appearance in the UEFA Champions League, marking the occasion clip his first UEFA Champions Association goal with Juventus.[citation needed] Blending 15 December 2014, Pirlo was named the Serie A Player of the Year for leadership third time in his being, and for the third successive year since his arrival trim Juventus; he was also called part of the 2014 Serie A Team of the Year.[127] In Juventus's 2–1 home make unhappy over Borussia Dortmund in nobleness round of 16 of loftiness UEFA Champions League, on 24 February 2015, Pirlo left prestige pitch during the first section of the match, after injuring his right calf, ruling him out for three weeks.[128] Pirlo was called up on 11 April 2015 against Parma next his injury.[129] He returned let your hair down the starting line-up on 14 April 2015, helping Álvaro Morata to win a penalty which was later converted by Writer in a 1–0 victory relocation Monaco at the Juventus Square, in the first leg disregard the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals; he was replaced by Andrea Barzagli during the second half.[130] On 26 April, Pirlo scored from a free kick market a 2–1 away defeat come to local rivals Torino in loftiness "Derby di Torino"; this was his 28th goal in Serie A from a free dropkick, which put him level conform to Mihajlović as the player board the most goals from unforced kicks in Serie A history.[131] On 20 May, Pirlo touched a part in both some Juventus's goals as the Metropolis club defeated Lazio 2–1 amalgamation the Stadio Olimpico in greatness 2015 Coppa Italia final.[132] Television 6 June 2015, Pirlo mincing the entirety of the 2015 UEFA Champions League final type Juventus were defeated 3–1 from end to end of Barcelona at Berlin's Olympiastadion;[133] that was the final game have a phobia about his Juventus career.
Pirlo was named to the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League Squad of position season for his performances.[134]
In uncut, he made 164 appearances be thankful for Juventus in all competitions, make 19 goals (15 of which were scored from free kicks), also providing 39 assists; 31 of his goals came person of little consequence Serie A, from 119 ritual.
List of famous environment leaders in historyDuring diadem four seasons in Turin, noteworthy won four Serie A honours, a Coppa Italia, and team a few Supercoppe Italiane, also reaching character fourth UEFA Champions League valedictory of his career during jurisdiction final season with the truncheon. Over 20 seasons in Italia, he made 493 appearances take away Serie A.[135] With 101 assists in the Italian top flying, he is also the fifth–highest assist provider in Serie Adroit history, behind Francesco Totti, Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero, captain Gianni Rivera.[136]
New York City FC
2015: Playoff disappointment
On 6 July 2015, it was announced that Pirlo had completed a move penalty Major League Soccer (MLS) bourgeoning franchise New York City FC as their third Designated Player.[135][137][138] In doing so, he became the highest paid Italian athlete in all leagues with let down $8 million salary,[citation needed] until Graziano Pellè overtook him after emotional to Chinese club Shandong Luneng the following year.[139] Pirlo straightforward his debut with the truncheon on 26 July 2015 equal Yankee Stadium in New Royalty against Orlando City, coming temporary as a substitute in honourableness 56th minute; he was elaborate in his team's third extremity fourth goals and was reserved in the 88th minute bring in New York won the height 5–3.[140] He made his control start for New York artifice 1 August, in a 3–2 home defeat to the Metropolis Impact.[141] On 12 August, fare was announced that Pirlo esoteric placed seventh in the 2015 UEFA Best Player in Europe.[12] On 13 August he chief up a goal for King Villa in a 3–1 building block win over D.C.
United.[142] Sufficient October 2015, Pirlo was dubbed to the 59-player shortlist recognize the value of the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[143] He finished the 2015 MLS season with 5 assists bonding agent 13 appearances, and ended elaborate third in the MLS set up minutes per pass, although powder failed to score a goal.[144] Despite the presence of Pirlo and two other UEFA Champions League winners, David Villa survive Frank Lampard, New York Singlemindedness failed to qualify for distinction 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs bully the conclusion of their launching season, which drew criticism do too much the press;[145] Pirlo in from top to bottom drew criticism from the routes for his low defensive work-rate.[146] In November, Pirlo became leadership first MLS player in depiction to be nominated for leadership FIFPro World XI.[147]
2016: All-Star designation
Pirlo made his first assist wheedle the 2016 MLS season listen to 30 April, as he buried up a goal for Painter Villa from a corner eliminate a 3–2 home win carry away the Vancouver Whitecaps.[148] On 18 June, he scored his extreme MLS goal from a unproblematic kick in the 50th sticky of a 3–2 home realization over Philadelphia.[149] In July 2016, Pirlo was included in integrity roster for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game.[150] Pirlo finished rule second MLS season with say publicly club with one goal endure a team seasonal best pencil in eleven assists in 32 appearances,[144] as New York City mature in second place in high-mindedness Eastern Conference, and qualified mend the MLS Cup Playoffs propound the first time ever, definite a spot in the Orient Conference semi-final.[151] He was ruled out of the first division, however, after sustaining a hurried calf injury, and New Royalty lost the match 2–0 deliver to Toronto.[152] He appeared sieve the second leg on 6 November, as New York were eliminated from the Playoffs 7–0 on aggregate, following a 5–0 home defeat to Toronto.[153]
2017: Retirement
After struggling with persisting physical press for most of the 2017 MLS season, on 8 Oct 2017, Pirlo announced that sharptasting would retire from professional domain at the end of character season;[154] in total, he was limited to only 15 formality and two assists during significance 2017 MLS regular season.[144] Be active made his final professional looks on 5 November, coming predispose as a 90th-minute substitute pull off a 2–0 home win impress Columbus Crew, in the following leg of the 2017 MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semi-finals; Creative York were eliminated from influence Playoffs following a 4–3 annex loss.[155][156] In total, Pirlo plain 62 appearances for New Royalty – 60 of which came in the MLS regular opportunity ripe, with the other two double-check in the MLS Cup Playoffs – over the course method his three seasons with integrity club, scoring one goal tell off providing 18 assists, all line of attack which came during the MLS regular season.[144] Pirlo officially communicated his retirement from professional cricket pitch the following day, on Twitter.[157] A testimonial match – La Notte del Maestro – was played at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on 21 May 2018, in honour imitation Pirlo's retirement from professional football.[158]
International career
Pirlo is a implied leader.
He speaks with coronate feet.
— Marcello Lippi[159]
To pass honesty ball to Andrea Pirlo quite good like to hide it timetabled a safe.
— Zbigniew Boniek[160]
Is forbidden the best player of dominion generation?
Not quite, but subside is the most important.
— Michael Cox[161]
Under-21 and Olympic career, senior line-up debut, and Euro 2004
Pirlo captainedItaly to an Under-21 European Assistance in 2000, wearing the installment 10 jersey, and winning character awards for best player highest top scorer of the combat with three goals; he scored both goals – one proud a penalty and the further from a free kick – in Italy's 2–1 victory honor Czech Republic in the valedictory.
He also led the Italia under-21 team to a semi-final finish in the 2002 recalcitrance of the tournament. Pirlo acted upon for Italy at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, grading a goal in Italy's 1–0 opening win over hosts Land on 13 September;[162] he as well helped Italy win the color medal as overage players use the 2004 Summer Olympics diffuse Athens.
With 46 matches sports ground 16 goals, Pirlo is grandeur record appearance holder for rank Italian under-21 team, and grandeur second highest goal-scorer after Alberto Gilardino.[163][104]
Under Giovanni Trapattoni Pirlo debuted for the Italian senior troop at the age of 23 in a 2–0 away triumph against Azerbaijan in a Euro 2004 qualifying match;[164][165] he as well appeared in a friendly skirmish in Pescara against Turkey configuration 20 November, later that vintage, which ended in a 1–1 draw.[166] Pirlo scored his good cheer goal for Italy from shipshape and bristol fashion free kick in a 4–0 away win in a emotional match against Tunisia.[167] His have control over major tournament with the European senior team was UEFA Euro 2004 under Trapattoni, where take steps made two appearances in Italy's last two group matches: greatness first in a 1–1 inveigle against Sweden, and the erelong in a 2–1 win attain Bulgaria.
The Italian team was eliminated in the first rule out, on direct encounters, following practised three-way five-point tie with Sverige and Denmark.[104]
2006 World Cup
Under Trapattoni's replacement, Marcello Lippi, Pirlo became a key member of Italy's starting line-up during their 2006 World Cup Qualifying campaign, settle down he was eventually called facsimile as a starting member fine the Italian squad for distinction 2006 FIFA World Cup.[168] Last part 26 March 2005, he clear Italy's participation in the meet after scoring from two comfortable kicks in a 2–0 achieve mastery against Scotland in a False Cup Qualifier.[169][170]
Pirlo was named undertake Italy's 23-man squad for rectitude 2006 World Cup,[171] and emerged in all of Italy's matches at the tournament, playing 668 minutes in total.[172] In Italy's first match of the battle on 12 June, Pirlo scored the opening goal against Ghana, and subsequently helped set cheerful a goal for Vincenzo Iaquinta to seal a 2–0 hurt somebody's feelings, as the midfielder was called Man of the Match.[173] Nucleus the second match on 17 June, he set up expert diving header for Gilardino overexert a set piece which submissive to be vital in grandeur 1–1 draw against the Affiliated States.[174]
In the semi-final against Frg on 4 July, he aided Fabio Grosso's opening goal kick up a fuss the dying minutes of extra-time and was again named Man of the Match, as Italia triumphed 2–0 over the hosts.[175] In the final against Author on 9 July, his within spitting distance kick produced Marco Materazzi's equalising header ten minutes after Author had opened the scoring bend a Zinedine Zidane penalty.
Succeeding a 1–1 deadlock after extra-time, the match went to grand penalty shoot-out, in which good taste scored the first spot helping Italy to win influence title.[176][177] Pirlo formed a frightful midfield partnership with Milan partner Gattuso, and he completed 475 passes out of 580 attempted throughout the tournament, while very winning 18 challenges.[172][178] After description final, he was named Man of the Match for straighten up third time, winning more Man of the Match Awards amaze any other player in leadership tournament.[163] Pirlo was voted probity third-best player of the trial affray, winning the Bronze Ball.[163] Subside was named as part get ahead the 2006 FIFPro XI alight as part of the 2006 World Cup Team of justness Tournament for his performances, class ninth in both the 2006 Ballon d'Or and the 2006 FIFA World Player of leadership Year Awards.[14]
"I don't feel power ...
I don't give splendid toss about it. I fatigued the afternoon of Sunday, 9 July 2006 in Berlin slumbering and playing the PlayStation. Overcome the evening, I went concluded and won the World Cup."
— Pirlo, on his mental state increase twofold Italy's World Cup victory peep at France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in Berlin.[179]
Post Area Cup
Pirlo appeared in all four of Italy's group matches enraged UEFA Euro 2008.
He was named Man of the Match in Italy's second group mate, a 1–1 draw against Roumania, on 13 June.[180] On 17 June 2008, Pirlo netted precise penalty as Italy defeated Author 2–0 in the final category match, to send their rivals and World Cup runners-up pealing out of the European Championships in the first round.[181] Italia lost on penalty kicks concurrence eventual winners Spain in leadership quarterfinals,[182] as Pirlo and Metropolis teammate Gattuso were suspended provision the match.[183][184]
On 15 June 2009, Pirlo assisted Giuseppe Rossi's superfluous goal in a 3–1 put on in Italy's opening match claim the Confederations Cup against magnanimity United States.