Sport | Football
Andrea Pirlo
Critics and teammates often select Andrea Pirlo, the soft-spoken AC Milan midfielder who scored Italy's first goal in its World Cup opener against Ghana.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 June 16, 2006
Italian fans tend to choose Francesco Totti as their favorite player on the Azzurri.
Critics and teammates often select Andrea Pirlo, the soft-spoken AC Milan midfielder who scored Italy's first goal in its World Cup opener against Ghana.
The goal was one of the highlights of the tournament so far - a well-struck shot from beyond 20 meters that found its way through a crowd of players.
"Shooting is part of my repertoire. Everyone says I don't shoot enough and they're right, I should shoot more," Pirlo said.
It was his fifth goal in 23 appearances for Italy. Two of his other scores came on free kicks in a 2-0 qualifier over Scotland last year.
Labeled a prodigy when he made his Serie A debut with his native Brescia at 16, Pirlo struggled to meet expectations when he moved to Inter Milan in 1998. He scored 15 goals in 37 games with Italy's under-21 team but didn't really develop into a top player until he moved across town to AC Milan in 2001.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti had the foresight to move Pirlo from a pure playmaker into a deeper director's role centered just in front of the defense.
It's often said that Italy now fields two playmakers Totti and Pirlo. It's the same scenario at Milan, where Pirlo is positioned behind Brazil playmaker Kaka. Pirlo is comfortable with both teammates.
"Kaka requires more space to gain speed with the ball at his feet, while Totti always has a move ready right away to set up the strikers," Pirlo said. "It doesn't change anything for me. My job is to provide the ball to the midfielders."
Mauro Camoranesi is one such midfielder. Asked to pick the pick the most outstanding player on Italy's team, he chose Pirlo.
"He's a player I have an enormous amount of respect for."
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