Pirlo tons up in Brazil as his heir Verratti rules the Euros

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Andrea Pirlo first gave notice that he was set to become one of the all-time greats for Italy back in 2000. When the Azzurrini overcame the Czech Republic 2-1 in the Under-21 European Championships final, it was Pirlo who scored both goals and was named the UEFA Golden Player of the Tournament.

On Sunday evening, the majestic midfielder won his 100th full cap in the most fitting of settings. At the Maracanà stadium, he produced a stunning free-kick as Mexico were beaten 2-1 in the Confederations Cup opener for Cesare PrandelliâÂÂs side.

Prandelli had kept his playmaker on the bench throughout last week's friendly against Haiti, so that Pirlo could enjoy his special moment in RioâÂÂs renovated masterpiece.

Having been a World Cup winner in 2006 and left a lasting mark at Euro 2012 â especially with a fine display against England, rounded off with a cheeky shootout penalty â Pirlo wanted to make another impression to celebrate his century. He certainly succeeded.

Mario Balotelli also left his mark in his own inimitable way. He used his strength to good effect to hold off two defenders to fire home impressively from close range, but couldn't resist ripping off his shirt to show off those muscles and receive a yellow card. Considering that Balotelli spent most of the game complaining about close marking once again, another booking against either Japan or Brazil could prove costly.

However the evening belonged to regal Pirlo, who at 34 has already announced his international retirement after next summerâÂÂs World Cup finals, for which Italy should qualify barring a disastrous autumn campaign.


Pirlo celebrates his goal against Mexico

Pirlo won't catch Fabio CannavaroâÂÂs all-time Azzurri record of 136 appearances, although his Juve team-mate Gigi Buffon might: the goalkeeper gained his 128th cap when he captained the side on Sunday, and looks destined to become the new record holder. But Pirlo, fifth in the all-time list behind Paolo Maldini (126) and Dino Zoff (112), is all the more remarkable for being the only cap centurion not to play in the generally more durable positions of defender or goalkeeper.

The Italian Football Federation has put its full weight of support behind U21 coach Devis MangiaâÂÂs team in the hope of adding to its proud record of five titles overall â won within seven tournaments between 1992 and 2004 â and in a repeat of last summerâÂÂs senior tournament the young Italians face Spain in the final on Tuesday.

Throughout the youth Euros it has been Verratti who has really stood out â perhaps unsurprisingly, having already played in the Champions League quarter-finals and more than held his own against the Barcelona midfield. Coming into the tournament with a French Ligue 1 title in his first season in France, having only ever played for Pescara in Serie B although he was a member of Zdenek ZemanâÂÂs promotion side, the 20-year-old is the answer to the increasingly important question of who can replace the departing Pirlo.


Verratti holds off the opposition

Although the squad is filled with a number of stars in the making, it's not only genuine quality but MangiaâÂÂs belief in team spirit that has taken these young Italians all the way. The 38-year-old has had experience at the sharp end of Serie A at Palermo, having also taken Varese to the Serie B play-offs, and he knows the valuable of sound team-work.