Euro 2012: Andrea Pirlo the pass maestro for Italy

By MARTIN HANNAN
Published on 01/07/2012 00:00

IF HIS team win tonight’s European Championship final, Andrea Pirlo of Italy will undoubtedly be named Man of the Tournament.

Such is his influence on the Azzurri that it is impossible to conceive of an Italian victory without Pirlo stamping his mark on the final, just as he has laid the imprint of his deadly delicacy on Euro 2012. A half-decent performance should still see him garlanded but, even if he doesn’t live up to his usual standards, he might win the vote anyway, such is the widespread admiration for the 33-year-old from Lombardy. Italy’s progress through the tournament has been by no means a one-man bandwagon but the maestro conducting their surge to the final has undoubtedly been Pirlo.

His passing game has drawn most plaudits. From his deep-sitting role in front of the Italian defence, he has conducted the Azzurri’s revived tempo like Zubin Mehta wielding his baton before that formidable midfield of Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras. Whether it was the long thrust around the heart of the German defence to set up Mario Balotelli’s first goal in the semi-final, or the outrageously brilliant “cheeky chappy” penalty against England in the quarter-final, or that stunning free-kick against Croatia in the group match, Pirlo has been peerless and was named man of the match in both the quarter and semi-finals.

Against Germany, however, Pirlo was everywhere, even clearing Mats Hummels’ goalbound header off the line. As for his performance against England, the stat which showed that he made 117 passes summed it up – it was more than the entire English midfield quartet put together.

Yet a year ago it all looked so very different for the man the Italians call l’architetto. He had exited Milan in sad circumstances following a glorious ten-season spell that saw him win two Serie A and two Champions League medals as well as winning most of his 85 Italian caps to date – Tartan Army soldiers will need no reminding that he scored both Italy’s goals in Milan in 2005 when Scotland lost a vital World Cup qualification tie. Pirlo had suffered recurring injury problems in the latter part of his Milan career and manager Massimiliano Allegri wanted to play him away from the central midfield general position that he had once made his own, but it was still a shock when club and playmaker parted company on mutual grounds – Pirlo later revealed he felt he had no choice but to leave.

He promptly joined Milan’s great rivals Juventus but the controversy that switch caused was old hat to Pirlo. After all, he had joined AC Milan from their most bitter enemies Inter Milan back in 2002. Given the same shirt number for Juventus that he wears for Italy, numero 21, his short passing game has, if anything, slightly improved, while those trademark long passes that turn defence into attack are a huge part of his game. Factor in his adroit positional play, his pinpoint crossing, his mastery of the dead ball, and his willingness to go forward and score goals from his normal deep position and you have the complete midfielder.

In the qualification matches for Euro 2012, Pirlo’s form with Juventus was replicated, and with his confidence riding high and given the full trust of Italy manager Cesare Prandelli, he has carried his form into the finals. His performances have drawn rave reviews abroad and home. Italian National Olympic Committee president Gianni Petrucci even broke off from announcing Italy’s Olympic team to say: “In my opinion he deserves the Pallone d’Oro [FIFA’s Golden Ball awarded to the best player in the world]. If I were in the jury I would vote for him. Pirlo lights everything. He is a lamp that keeps giving light.”

The man himself was suitably modest about his achievements so far at Euro 2012, and perhaps ominously for Spain, he was clearly focused on only one thing – winning. “I’ve always given my best,” said Pirlo. “Now that we’re here in this final we’ve got to enjoy this to the fullest. But I’m not celebrating too much yet, because we still haven’t done anything.”

Tonight he will be up against Xavi and Iniesta, the best midfield pairing in the world. It is a mouth-watering prospect – three World Cup winners out to be named best player of the tournament.

His fans will say that no matter the result at the end of tonight’s final, Andrea Pirlo has proven himself to be a winner yet again, proving at 33 that if you’re good enough, you’re never too old.