Andrea Pirlo interview: ‘Football has changed, and sadly, we’ve been left behind’
“It’s been a long time since Italian football was at its best,” says Andrea Pirlo, his face showing a mix of sadness and hope. “The game has changed, and sadly, we’ve fallen behind.”
The pain from that night in Zenica is still fresh. Just eight weeks ago, Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third time in a row after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifiers. For many, it was the lowest moment in the history of the national team, highlighting the struggles Italian football is facing overall.
“Football moves fast today, and we have to keep up. We can’t keep thinking like we did 20 years ago when we were the best in the world with our tactics and quality,” Pirlo explains. “We need a new generation to step up.”
So, what’s next for Italian football after such a tough defeat? The Azzurri must rebuild, both on and off the field. When Italy won the World Cup in 2006, their average squad age was around 27, with their youngest star, Daniele De Rossi, just 22. But times have changed, and this summer’s team focuses much more on youth.
Some have blamed the national team’s decline on a lack of young talent coming through. But that story might be changing. This week, interim coach Silvio Baldini showed his plans by picking a squad with an average age of just 20 and a half for upcoming matches against Luxembourg and Greece.
Several young players got their first senior call-ups, including Borussia Dortmund’s teen Samuele Inacio. Alongside him are rising stars like Francesco Camarda, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Davide Bartesaghi.
Pirlo is upbeat about this fresh approach. “Many new players will get a chance to show what they can do,” he said just after Baldini announced the 24-man squad. “I hope this starts a new chapter. Some players will go back to the under-21s, but others will stay with the national team. Players like Niccolò Pisilli from Roma and Pio Esposito are really exciting. There’s a lot of real talent.”
Naturally, the chat turns to this weekend’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Pirlo immediately talks about a player who keeps impressing on the big stage.
“Vitinha is a real game master,” Pirlo smiles. “He always finds a way out of tough spots. His vision is amazing, and he’s always involved in the play. I’d say Vitinha reminds me of myself the most, but I like Declan Rice as well.”
“PSG have a bit of an edge because they won last year and beat Bayern in the semis,” the former midfielder adds. “Arsenal just won the Premier League and are feeling strong right now. I’d say PSG has a 60% chance to win, but you never know with finals.”
Vitinha and Rice will face off in Budapest on Saturday, something that hopefully brings a smile to Pirlo’s face, as he admires their talents. He believes Italy needs players like them in the middle of the pitch.
When asked about Italy’s current squad balance with players like Nicolo Barella and Manuel Locatelli, Pirlo raises his eyebrows.
“Right now, Italy doesn’t have players who can perform at the level needed for a Champions League final. They are good players for our league, but unfortunately, we don’t have those big stars right now like Vitinha or Rice.”
Baldini’s Italy will be looking to show progress next month in their game against Luxembourg. Pirlo, along with millions of Italians, will be watching closely and hoping for signs of a brighter future.