In a recent interview, Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo spoke about his early inspirations in football and the dramatic penalty shootout in the 2006 World Cup Final against France.
Juventus is currently engaging with fans in North America through the ‘We are Juventus’ tour, connecting club legends with supporters and academies across the continent. Following visits from Patrice Evra in Miami and Alex Del Piero in Houston, Andrea Pirlo recently visited New York City as part of this initiative.
Pirlo revealed that Roberto Baggio was his biggest idol growing up. He was fortunate enough to play alongside Baggio at both Inter and Brescia, which he considered a dream come true.
“I admired other classic number 10s too, like Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, and Roberto Mancini,” Pirlo added, acknowledging a generation of talented playmakers.
Emerging from Brescia’s youth system, Pirlo went on to play for Italian giants Inter, Milan, and Juventus. He achieved significant success, winning two Champions League titles with Milan and six Serie A titles (four with Juventus and two with Milan). However, as a young player, his ambition was simple: “I wanted to become a footballer. It was the only thing I ever considered, I never imagined doing anything else. I was determined I would make it.”
Reflecting on his career highlights, Pirlo mentioned the 2005 Champions League Final loss to Liverpool and the subsequent victory against the same team in the 2007 final, sandwiching Italy’s triumph at the 2006 World Cup.
“Those were incredible years,” he recalled. “After the disappointment of the 2005 Champions League final and the Calciopoli scandal, it was a turbulent time for Italian football.”
World Cup Penalty Shootout: Pressure and Relief
“After the World Cup win, there was uncertainty surrounding many clubs. Milan, despite being reinstated into the Champions League, had to start from the qualifying rounds. We had to regroup and start over, driven by our determination to compete in the Champions League, which we felt we deserved. Despite the challenges, we united as a team and had a fantastic season, culminating in revenge against Liverpool in the 2007 final.”
Pirlo took the crucial first penalty in the 2006 World Cup Final shootout. He explained his mindset facing French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez: “I was focused on scoring.”
“When coach Lippi designated me as the first penalty taker, I immediately thought about placement. Even during my run-up, I was leaning towards shooting down the middle, anticipating the goalkeeper diving to one side, especially as the first taker.”
“Being first adds pressure because you haven’t seen the goalkeeper’s tendencies yet. Later penalty takers have that advantage. As the first, there’s more uncertainty. But I chose the middle, and it worked. There wasn’t anxiety, but scoring brought immense relief.”
Pirlo concluded his professional career in New York City, and recently returned for an event where Lega Serie A announced record-breaking viewership figures in the USA.
“I spent two and a half wonderful years in New York, enjoying both the city and my time with the team,” Pirlo said. “Both of my children were born here, so I feel a strong connection to New York.”