Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco are (clearly) on another level compared to numerous of their MLS colleagues, so why shouldn’t they be included in Conte’s roster?
On my way up to New York from Atlanta, I sat on the plane thinking to myself, trying to predict what this game would behold. Both Toronto FC and NYCFC have phenomenal, European experienced players on the rosters and there are even a few World Cup winners on the teamsheets. Of course, this was going to be a big match, brand new season, a new coach for NYCFC and all eyes fixated on Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo.
This game, broadcast internationally, was not just another stereotypical ‘MLS Sunday Night match up’, there are two players out there looking to push the boundaries set by the standard of the average MLS player. Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco are looking to break into the senior Azzurri squad for the European Championship this summer, something that simply has never been done before.
Last season when I attended a few of Pirlo’s games in MLS, the problems of the new club were too evident to even begin to cover up. Players didn’t make runs, the defense was atrocious, nobody knew how to maintain possession in the back, a complete and total disaster.
Pirlo even criticized ex-coach Jason Kreis last season for his lack of leadership and direction. Midway through the season, returning directly from vacation and in a hapless team, the Maestro looked destined to be excluded from the Azzurri roster for a major tournament for the first time in over a decade.
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 13: Benoit Cheyrou #8 of Toronto FC defends Andrea Pirlo #21 of New York City FC free kick at Yankee Stadium on March 13, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
As NYCFC took to the pitch under the lights at the historic Yankee Stadium on Sunday night, there was a different ambiance, a new feel to the Sophomore club.
From the press box, there was chatter that this showdown would be decided on how well Pirlo and Giovinco played for their respective sides, and in the end that’s how it panned out more or less. NYC had a slew of new players, a new system and a more stable balance to their style of play. Interestingly, head coach Patrick Vieira deployed a 3-4-3 formation with Pirlo, Mix Diskerud and Tommy McNamara routinely patrolling the center. It was flexible, fun to watch and for the first 44 minutes, it worked.
However, Giovinco’s Toronto FC had been on the back foot for the large part of the second half. They were down 2-0 thanks to a penalty conceded by Delgado and David Villa strike from around 10 yards out due to poor defending. Giovinco had been out on an island for most of the game up to this point, he had no Jozy Altidore in front of him to provide cover, so instead the Italy native drifted out wide to find space, and by the end of the first half, he was beginning to cause problems.
The trait that makes Giovinco appear as a man among boys is undoubtedly his foot skills. His ability to control balls from over his head is spectacular to watch, and it causes a nightmare for defenders. That’s a trait that won’t just cause MLS defenders problems, but even in Europe if you can master to control difficult aerial passes, defenders will be scrambling to recover.
Eventually in the added time to the first half, Giovinco crossed in a spectacular free kick that defender Damien Perquis latched onto and steered into the back of the net past goalkeeper Josh Saunders. The Toronto #10 was carrying his team and had clawed their way back from nearly the abyss, up until that point it was more likely for NYCFC to bag a third rather than Toronto get on the scorecard.
The second half was much like the way the first ended, wide open play. Pirlo demonstrated to be physically fit and never lagged behind play, this is crucial because for a 37 year old central midfielder, there’s a lot of doubt that he can last for a full 90 in a competitive fixture, and I believe that Pirlo affirmed this in the match.
On top of that, the Brescia native supplied the attack with some truly spectacular lobs, I’m still uncertain how this game ended a draw, Pirlo gave his side numerous chances to take all three points thanks to his sublime passing.
As the game was winding down, in the 84th minute, Sebastian Giovinco beat his man and slotted it past Saunders from about 16 yards out, cool, calm and collected and giving his side the 2-2 draw in the end.
Both players were simply spectacular, and if this is a sign of things to come throughout the course of the next few months, Antonio Conte would be foolish to exclude either player from his Italy roster.
Whether or not MLS is at a standard comparable to Europe should not be the deciding factor between inclusion or exclusion, it’s the fact that there are no other strikers in form and as confident as Giovinco is, and there is still no player as technically gifted and experienced in the midfield as Andrea Pirlo.
Time will tell, and hopefully injuries stay away from this duo, but Sunday night’s demonstration becomes the status quo, I think we’re looking at some history being made in June for MLS.
The post NYCFC vs TFC in hindsight: Why Pirlo and Giovinco must be called to the Azzurri appeared first on IFD.
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