Topics: Andrea Pirlo, Juventus, Azzurri, Antonio Conte, Serie A, EURO 2016
Despite initially considering hanging up his boots, the veteran midfielder has now chosen to continue for a few more years.

Two months ago, Juventus fans were left reeling after coach Antonio Conte abruptly resigned. The former midfielder had been instrumental in the Bianconeri returning to the pinnacle of Italian football, winning three consecutive Scudetti in the process.

Shortly after, Conte was unveiled as the new Azzurri coach and has started off well, guiding the team to a 2-0 win over the Netherlands which was enough to convince talismanic midfielder Andrea Pirlo to re-consider his decision to retire.

The 35-year-old had previously stated that he was hanging up his international boots after Italy's disappointing 2014 World Cup, but now has been convinced to stay by his former boss.

Following his transfer from Milan, Pirlo has become a key part of the Bianconeri's recent success in Italy

Not ready to retire just yet: Pirlo was convinced to return by watching Conte's new Italy

 

 

"It was a difficult decision [as] I wanted to stop playing for the national team. But then Conte arrived and asked me to lend a hand. I'm happy to do that and I hope we can achieve some good things together," he recently stated to reporters.

 

This, naturally, is certainly something that will please his fans: