Andrea Pirlo
One of soccer’s top midfielders with A.C. Milan and Juventus, Andrea Pirlo led Italy to the 2006 FIFA World Cup championship.
Synopsis
Born on May 19, 1979, in Flero, Italy, Andrea Pirlo started his professional soccer career with Brescia before moving to Internazionale. He won Italian and Champions League titles with A.C. Milan after changing positions, and starred for the national team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. More success followed with Juventus, where Pirlo claimed back-to-back league titles and Italian Super Cups.
Early Career
Born on May 19, 1979, in Flero, Italy, soccer player Andrea Pirlo began his career with the Brescia Calcio youth team in 1994. He made his senior debut in 1995, and after emerging as a promising midfielder during the 1997-98 season, he signed with prominent Serie A club Internazionale.
Pirlo endured a disappointing tenure in Internazionale, as he struggled to crack the starting unit and was twice loaned out to other clubs. But he impressed as captain of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship–winning team in 2001, and it was during his second loan, to Brescia, that he readjusted to a deep midfield role alongside the great Roberto Baggio.
A.C. Milan and International Success
The change in position did wonders for Pirlo, who blossomed after joining A.C. Milan in 2001. Sparking the offense with his beautiful passes and deadly free kicks, "L'Architetto" led Milan to a pair of Serie A, UEFA Super Cup and Champions League titles.
Pirlo also displayed fine form for the Italian national team that won the bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics. He enjoyed the pinnacle of success during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, earning Man of the Match honors three times while driving Italy's triumphant run with his brilliant passes. However, although he remained a highly effective player into his 30s, his contract was not renewed by the Milan club, which was seeking to inject youth into its backfield.
Juventus Revival
Pirlo signed with Juventus F.C. in 2011 and erased any concerns about his age by leading the "Old Lady" to back-to-back Serie A and Italian Super Cup titles. He was also recognized as the Serie A Player of the Year and named to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2012.
The veteran playmaker proved he was as vital as ever to Italy's cause during the 2012 European Championship, earning Team of the Tournament honors as Italy fell just short in the final. He scored on a free kick while making his 100th international appearance during the 2013 Confederations Cup, a fitting moment in the career of a star accustomed to delivering big plays under the spotlight.
