Antonio Conte, are you watching?
The Italy boss left midfield veteran Andrea Pirlo out of his Euro 2016 squad and he could well live to regret it as the bearded wonder proved that he’s still got a defence-splitting pass in his right boot.
During New York City FCs 2-2 draw with Orlando on Sunday night, Pirlo rolled back the years with a through ball for the ages but the 37-year-old is not bitter at his exclusion.
“I spoke with the coach,” Pirlo told Sky Italia. “I already knew what I had to do and what he had to do. There was no disappointment.
“I have always talked about this throughout the season with him, these are decisions made by both sides. He is the coach and it is right that he makes the decisions that are best for him.”
And while he may not be going to France, he’s got more than enough ability to trouble back fours in MLS.
On Sunday Pirlo found teammate David Villa, who eased the ball into his own path using his chest and, after one bounce, the Spaniard beautifully dinked the ball over Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik.
It wasn’t all highlight-reel fodder for Villa, though, as he had a moment to forget later in the game when he failed to put the game beyond the Floridians.
The former Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid striker tried to get fancy with a penalty but ended up blazing his spot-kick over the crossbar and allowing Orlando a lifeline which they duly took, scoring two late goals to ensure a share of the spoils.
So David Villa has just done this… pic.twitter.com/Gjpzhoi7GJ
— Jonny Blain (@jonoblain) May 29, 2016
