Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli spoke to Raisport about Andrea Pirlo and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Pirlo, who will be 35-years-old by the time the World Cup kicks off, still has ambitions of being in the team for 2014. Prandelli also expects Pirlo to be there.
The 33-year-old midfielder was a crucial part of the team’s success getting to this summer’s European Championship final.
“Andrea needs to be alone, and be calm while deciding what he wants to do,” he said.
“The last time we spoke I heard some very important things. He wants to come to the World Cup with a lot of motivation, and that is a good sign for us.”
Prandelli has also made it clear that he intends to bring some younger players into the team. He knows the importance of allowing them to gain experience during the qualification process.
“I’m waiting to make some important decisions. We need to rebuild and to plan in these next two years. We are only thinking about qualifying.”
“It is wrong to think that we can go to Brazil and bring all these older players. Therefore, for these things you must plan.”
The Juventus midfielder has been capped 91 times for the national team, scoring 10 goals.
Also on Prandelli’s radar is AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy. The 19-year-old is having an impressive season with the Rossoneri, having scored four goals in six Serie A matches. He has one senior national team cap under Prandelli.
