Andrea Pirlo has come out in full admiration of his compatriot, former manager, and now rival ahead of their Champions League semi-final this Tuesday. Pirlo, known as one of the classiest men in the sport, has accredited his time under Ancelotti at AC Milan as career changing, and compared Ancelotti to a father figure.
"It's like rediscovering your father again," Pirlo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He changed my career, putting me in front of the defence. We shared some unforgettable moments. We had a magnificent past together."
Pirlo and Juventus are widely seen as the underdogs to Ancelotti’s Madrid, but that did not stop the Italian midfield maestro from expressing confidence in his side’s ability.
"We've matured a lot these years and the experience we've gained in Europe has helped the team in general," Pirlo said. "In the three seasons under [Antonio] Conte, we were still lacking something -- maybe we just weren't ready -- but this year our belief that we can beat anybody has grown as the season has progressed.”
"We play good football, without any fear or concerns. Yes, we are on a par with Real, right to the end. We don't need a miracle. We've got nothing to lose so we go out there with our heads free, pursuing our dream."
Juventus’ chances will be helped by the absence of first-choice striker Karim Benzema from Real Madrid’s lineup. Benzema has been out with a knee injury, and failed to prove himself to be match fit despite returning to training.
"It's not the last game of the year and I'm not going to risk anyone," said Ancelotti of the decision to leave the Frenchman off the roster.
Mexican forward Javier Hernandez is the apparent choice to take Benzema’s place. Hernandez scored the match-winning goal in the quarter-finals for Madrid.
