Conte Convinced Pirlo to Play on for Azzuri

Juventus midfielder Andre Pirlo has said he will continue his international career with Italy men’s national side, despite hinting after this year’s Fifa World Cup he is ripe for retirement.

The 35-year-old, who captained the ‘Azzurri’ in the 2-1 opening group game win over England in Brazil on their track to a first round elimination, is the fourth most-capped player for the four-time champions with 112 caps.

“I have been talking with (new Italy coach Antonio) Antonio Conte who asked me if I was ready to play again for the Azzurri and I told him that I was,” the former AC Milan star told Gazzetta TV.

Andrea Pirlo Holds Off Costa Rica's  Jose Cuberos Tackle During a 2014 World Cup Group Game. Image: Getty.
Andrea Pirlo Holds Off Costa Rica’s Jose Cuberos Tackle During a 2014 World Cup Group Game. Image: Getty.

“It was a difficult decision to take. I had wanted to stop playing for the national side but he (Conte) took over and he asked me to lend a hand. I am happy to do that and we are hopeful we can achieve great things together.”

Conte, whose side defeated World Cup semi-finalists the Netherlands 2-0 on Thursday in his first game since succeeding Cesare Pandrelli, coached Pirlo at Juventus. The pair won three Italian Scudetto in quick successions starting from the 2011/12 Serie A season.

The playmaker is currently sidelined until October with a hip injury, which means he will miss Italy’s UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier against Norway in Oslo on Tuesday.