A day after Italy coach Antonio Conte said he is considering a team without Andrea Pirlo, AC Milan’s Riccardo Montolivo praised the New York City FC midfielder.
Pirlo had planned on parting ways with the Azzurri following the 2014 World Cup, but put his plans on hold at the bequest of new coach Conte and his is now hoping to make his final curtain-call at the 2016 European Championships.
“It is hard to imagine an Italy team without Pirlo, he has been a leader for years,” Montolivo told reporters at his pre match press conference ahead of Italy’s friendly against Belgium.
“I don’t believe I am an alternative to Pirlo, since I have often played alongside him.
“As an Italian, however, I hope that he will be part of this team, because we are talking about such an incredible player.”
Conte left Pirlo out of the current squad, who are set to face Belgium in an international friendly and the Milan midfielder was quick to add that it is Conte’s decision who plays.
“But of course, squad selection is decided by the coach and by no one else,” Montolivo added.
“If he is not part of the squad, in my opinion it would only be because of other factors, it’s certainly not a question of quality.”
