Italy’s Andrea Pirlo, center, controls the ball next to England’s Ross Barkley during the FIFA World Cup 2014 group D preliminary round match between England and Italy at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, June 14. EPA/Mast Irham
Despite being German — and an enthusiastic, avid supporter of our national team — I must credit an Italian man for infecting me with a passion for football, as it was AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini who first made me fall in love with the game.
Since you never forget your first love, Italy had always been my second favorite for big tournaments, although most Germans generally despise the Azzurri because we always lose against them in crucial games.
But my love faded over the years, when, one by one, all the players I used to adore retired from the national team: Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, to name but a few.
When Cannavaro called it quits in 2010, I thought that this was the last nail in the coffin that contained my memories of a fiery Italy squad, dead certain defensively, beautifully skilled when falling down, and as dashing in Dolce & Gabbana suits as in their blue jerseys on the pitch.
But it wasn’t so, as there was still a glimmer of hope to prolong this love affair, quite unexpectedly, yet growing strong. My sympathy for Italy now hangs by a thread, and it only still lingers on because of one man: Andrea Pirlo.
The 35-year-old midfielder, who I first cheered for during his AC Milan days, is the heart of the Italian national team. His wizardry on the pitch is both admired and feared, his mystical aura seems to cast a spell over many viewers far beyond the borders of Italy, and his stoic, calm composure is perhaps something that only comes with experience and maturity. He is the master of the midfield, a playmaker in the truest sense of the word.
Before Italy’s first game in this World Cup, Pirlo already announced that he’d retire from the national team after the tournament. It was a heavy blow for me, as I feel that my long-lasting relationship with Italy is coming to a close after more than two decades.
It is a bittersweet feeling, yet Pirlo, being the gentleman that he is, had the decency to give me one month notice of his looming departure. That way, I can prepare for the final farewell in the best possible fashion: by watching every Italy game during this World Cup, and honoring the man who has become synonymous for me with magical moments on the pitch.
And wasn’t I rewarded for waking up at 5 a.m. on this fine Sunday morning to watch Italy’s first game against England!
Drawn into the tough group D alongside England, Uruguay and Costa Rica (although Costa Rica stunned the world by beating Uruguay 3-1 earlier), Italy is eager to redeem itself after being eliminated from the World Cup 2010 in the group stage — with only 2 tiny points to its credit, quite shameful, as the Italians were after all the defending champions.
It was a promising start, as they beat England 2-1. Pirlo, by now sporting a sexy full beard, didn’t disappoint.
Like an artist, he paints colorful strokes on the pitch with his accurate passes; he impresses with his irresistible vision, and always does so with a never-changing, straight face.
And then, there was a moment of pure magic: When Italy’s scored the first goal in the 35th minute, it was none other than Pirlo’s sublime dummy from Marco Verratti’s cross that enabled Claudio Marchisio to take enough time and space to fire his shot into England’s goal. This is eye candy for every fan of the game, it’s football porn, addictive Pirlo — as my friend Pangeran Siahaan posted on Twitter: “Andrea Pirlo gave an assist without even touching the ball. How great art thou.”
The wizard then almost cast another spell late in the game, when his beautiful swerving free kick was only denied by the cross bar.
It matters not that this ball didn’t find its way into the back of the net. Italy began the World Cup with a victory, and Pirlo, the brain and heart of the team, showed that he still has some stunning tricks up his sleeve. Regardless how far Italy will come during this tournament, one thing is certain: I will savor every single minute I have left with him.
What will happen to Italy post-Pirlo? The answer to me is painfully obvious: niente!
By Katrin Figge on 05:18 pm Jun 16, 2014
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