Rule out Italy at your peril, warned Daniel De Rossi ahead of the upcoming Euro 2016 in France.
The Roma great admitted that Italy are nowhere near favourites to take out the showpiece European tournament which features home nation France, world champions Germany and the ever-present threat of two-time defending winners Spain, but De Rossi said his team still have the potential to surprise everyone.
"He strikes the right chord, he knows how to motivate you," he told reporters.
"We don't start as favourites and we're aware of that, but we're proud players and potentially we can beat anyone.
"There were years at Roma where I experienced a similar situation."
"I miss him [Pirlo] as a player and a team-mate," De Rossi said.
"I respect his choice, and he was made aware of the consequences. I don't know [if I’ll play in the US] but I'd like to experience it.
"If I leave Roma, I wouldn't join AC Milan, Inter or Juventus. I'd rather be emotionally close to Roma.
"However, I'll be at Roma next year, and after that we'll see."
