Euro 2016: A lookback at the greatest XI to have never won the Euros

Andrea Pirlo – Central Midfielder

Pirlo was absolutely sublime in Euro 2012

Andrea Pirlo might not have made the Euro 2016 squad for Italy, but there is no denying the fact that Pirlo has been Italy’s best midfielder in the last 20 years. Although not gifted with pace, the Italian midfield maestro is renowned for his ability to keep possession. Pirlo is also blessed with extraordinary close control, dribbling skills and passing range.

Tactically, Pirlo is capable of playing in a number of positions, but he is usually employed in the deep-lying playmaker role where he dictates the pace of play. He is also a set-piece specialist and he has scored and created plenty of goals through his free-kicks and corners.

Pirlo is best remembered in the Euros for his stunning performance in 2012, when he almost guided the Azzurri to victory through his stunning passing and set-piece abilities. However, Pirlo’s Italy were beaten by a very strong Spain squad in the finals. Pirlo’s role in the team can be best described by this quote from Michael Cox:

“Is he the best player of his generation? Not quite, but he is the most important.”

One of the greatest Italian players of all time, Pirlo definitely deserved to be a Euro champion.