Pirlo insists Brazil match isn't a friendly
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is prepared for an all-out fight when Italy play Brazil on Thursday.
By FOX Sports Staff
Italy face Brazil in Geneva on Thursday for a friendly match, but Pirlo insists that the Azzurri will be giving their all against the 2014 World Cup hosts in order to fine tune their performance.
"Games against Brazil are never normal," the Juventus playmaker told Football Italia, "It could be fundamental for our growth as a team.
"It may tell us a lot about what we can achieve in the Confederations Cup this summer and the World Cup in 2014.
"Italy often don't play great in friendlies, but we'll look to do well, to give our best, also for our supporters.
"This Italy team is getting better and we are one of the top 10 sides in the world."
The question inevitably turned to Francesco Totti, whose recent form has prompted calls for his first call up to the national side since 2006, and Pirlo has welcomed the idea of working alongside the Roma legend.
"The doors to the national side are always open for champions such as him," the former Milan man commented.