Andrea Pirlo left out of Italy squad over pressing plans - Carlo Ancelotti
New Bayern Munich coach and Italy legend Carlo Ancelotti says that Andrea Pirlo was left out of the Azzurri's squad for Euro 2016 because coach Antonio Conte wants to play with high intensity in midfield.
Pirlo, 37,played for Italy at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Euros but did not make the final 23-man squad for this summer.
Conte said himself this week that he was "not happy" to leave out themidfielder, who departed Serie A last year to join New York City FC in MLS, butAncelotti can see why.
"My guess is that Conte wants to play with a high intensity which is why he has not selected Andrea Pirlo," Ancelotti wrote in the Daily Telegraph.
"Obviously, I love Pirlo as a player. My God, what a talent. Playing for New York City in Major League Soccer means that he has grown accustomed to another kind of rhythm.
"He is 37 now and if his manager wants to play the pressing game then Pirlo is not the obvious choice. Even so, Pirlo spots a pass in a split-second that lesser players could spend a whole lifetime waiting to see."
