DOES THE NEW ANDREA PIRLO PLAY FOR BOURNEMOUTH? THAT'S WHAT IT SAYS HERE...

This is the biggest call you'll hear all weekend.

While Harry Arter is a tidy player, the Bournemouth midfielder still has a long way to go to be discussed in the same breath as the game's elite players.

But former England defender Terry Butcher isn't one for patience.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Butcher claimed Arter is actually better than Italian legend Andrea Pirlo in one area of his game.

Butcher was commentating on the Cherries' defeat to Newcastle when he came out with this extraordinary comparison.

“Do you think Harry Arter looks like a more mobile Andrea Pirlo? He wants the ball all the time.”

We're sure Ireland international Arter will take the compliment, but listeners thought the gun may have been jumped just a tad.

Roberto Mancini hints at Andrea Pirlo Inter loan deal - 'anything can happen'

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has suggested "anything can happen" regarding Andrea Pirlo making a potential short-term loan move from New York City FC in the MLS close season.

Pirlo, 36, left Juventus this summer for NYCFC after a long career in Serie A with Inter, AC Milan and Juventus among others.

Recent rumours have linked the midfielder with an Inter return after a three-year spell at the club early in his career, and former club president Massimo Moratti believes it would be a "very good idea" for the Nerazzurri to move for the Italy international.

Mancini has responded to the links ahead of Inter's trip to Torino on Sunday, describing Pirlo as a "champion" who would interest a number of Serie A sides.

"I've not spoken to him," the club's official website reports Mancini as saying. "But anything can happen in football. MLS is over for the season so maybe he wants to rest, but I'm sure clubs will be interested if he fancies a return to Italy because he's a fantastic player.

"He's a champion -- not your average player. He has amazing technique and reads the game quicker than most other players.

"In the future we may look at players with similar characteristics because we have players that are very physically strong and they can give us more when the pitches cut up a bit."

Inter head to Torino level on points with league leaders Fiorentina, although Mancini is wary of il Toro -- currently in 11th -- despite Giampiero Ventura's side being winless in five league games.

"It's never easy against Torino, they're a quality side and Ventura is a great coach," he said. "We'll need to fight for every ball, be aggressive and ensure we don't give them too much space because they have some very good players."

Mancini has changed his starting XI numerous times this season, and says that his selection policy is down to having a strong squad to call upon.

Roberto Mancini's Inter side are level on points with Serie A leaders Fiorentina after 11 games.

"Rotation shows we have faith in all the players," he continued. "The only player who hasn't played is Martin Montoya -- he's a fantastic professional and a good player, so I hope he can get a chance.

"All of the others have played -- we've made lots of changes because we had three matches in one week, including two on the road."

The former Manchester City coach hinted that Mauro Icardi -- recently linked with Real Madrid -- could start at Torino after being benched against Roma, saying: "Mauro didn't need to prove anything to me during the week, it was a tactical decision to leave him on the bench, just like it was in Bologna with [Stevan] Jovetic.

"It happens in all teams and is pretty normal -- the coach has to make decisions and unfortunately sometimes you have to leave big players on the bench."

On the subject of being potential title favourites, Mancini added: "I don't think there is one team significantly better than all the rest.

"Some sides have less of a problem in gelling the players because their squads have been together for longer and they're more sure of things, like Roma and Napoli. We have fewer uncertainties than a few weeks ago, but we're still lacking something."

Verratti: I don't care if Pirlo plays with me

As the debate continues over the iconic midfielder's international future, the PSG star is focusing on his own place in the Azzurri XI

Marco Verratti has stressed that he doesn't care who he plays alongside in Italy's midfield amidst a debate about whether Andrea Pirlo should retire.

Verratti played the entirety of Sunday's 1-0 win Euro 2016 qualifying over Bulgaria, starting alongside Marco Parolo and Daniele De Rossi – who scored and was sent off – as veteran Pirlo was an unused substitute.

Pirlo moved to MLS franchise New York City from Juventus in July and has seen his international place called into question, notably by Juve chief Giuseppe Marotta, who said every player should know when to retire in reference to the iconic playmaker.

Long-time Juve and Italy team-mate Gianluigi Buffon backed Pirlo to play a role in Conte's set-up on Monday, although Verratti was coy on the subject.

"It's not about making experiments, the coach makes his choices and he decides who should play," the Paris Saint-Germain star told reporters.

"I don't care about who's playing alongside me, I'll try to do my best and then the coach will make his evaluations."

De Rossi's early winner against Bulgaria ensures Italy sit two points clear of Norway at the top of Group H going into the final two games.

Despite being on the brink of the Euros, Verratti urged his side to maintain momentum, adding: "I don't care about just getting two points, we want to win games.

"Now we'll focus on our clubs, then when we're back we'll try to win the two remaining games as winning helps winning. Even if winning won't be essential, for us it's very important.

"The important thing is that we won. Then we can't deny we should improve. The three points against Malta and against Bulgaria paved the way for us to the top of the group, then we can work on improving our playing style.

"However, even other national teams are having difficult times nowadays playing against small teams, it is difficult as they are very organised. We are often criticised but we keep winning and it's always difficult to beat us."

Antonio Conte, Gigi Buffon don't think Andrea Pirlo should retire

Italian national team head coach Antonio Conte and goalkeeper Gigi Buffon have backed midfielder Andrea Pirlo's recent form in defense of critics following his performance against Malta.

Pirlo, 36, was benched for Sunday's 1–0 European Qualifiers triumph over Bulgaria in Palermo after starting in last week's 1–0 victory over Malta. Pirlo has struggled on the international stage since joining New York City FC earlier in the summer after four seasons with Juventus. 

“Every player knows when it's time to stop, but if you ask me Andrea still has plenty to offer,” Buffon told FIFA.com after earning his 150th cap for the Azzurri.

Conte, who coached Pirlo at Juventus, was among the people who convinced him to stay with the international team following the 2014 World Cup.

“What really disappoints me is the lack of respect from some towards an immense player like Pirlo,” Conte told Sky Sports. “He deserves more respect in every way.”

• Italy defeats Bulgaria to move top of qualifying group

Teammate Marco Verratti says that he does not care whether Pirlo retires.

“I don't care about who's playing alongside me,” Verratti told Goal.com “I'll try to do my best and then the coach will make his evaluations.”

Italy sits two points ahead of Norway following their 1–0 win over Bulgaria on Sunday. Italy will play Azerbaijan on Oct. 10 and then Norway on Oct. 13.

LA Galaxy vs. NYCFC: Is there too much focus on Designated Players?

CARSON, Calif. -- Bruce Arena leaned against a chain-link fence, and a wry smile creased his face. It's the kind of expression one sees from the L.A. Galaxy manager when he's asked a big-picture question that has little to do with the upcoming game, or coaching his team.

In this instance, he was being asked for his thoughts about Sunday's tilt between L.A. and New York City FC (3 p.m. ET, ESPN and WatchESPN), and the accompanying star power that will be on display. In the Galaxy's white, blue and gold colors will be the likes of reigning MLS MVP Robbie Keane, and new arrivals Giovani Dos Santos and Steven Gerrard. NYCFC's Designated Player trio is equally impressive, consisting of World Cup winners David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, as well as Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

"I don't spend a whole lot of time thinking about this," he said. "Certainly, it's a nice occasion for the league to have players that are recognized all over the world playing in this match."

Arena's focus on his side is understandable, but Sunday's encounter is a bit more than a "nice occasion." The passel of British media that have made the trip to L.A., not to mention the fact that the game is sold out and will be shown in over 150 countries, speaks to the attention the match is getting in North America and beyond.

"The interest in this match is legitimate, it's authentic," MLS commissioner Don Garber said via telephone. "It's an important regular-season match for the Galaxy and NYCFC, and the interest has developed organically. The interest in this one is really driven by a bunch of big-name players and two clubs that really matter, not only locally but also nationally and internationally.

"We've talked a lot and worked hard to create interest in rivalries, and while the league is promoting the event, it's really happened on its own."

Yet the megawatt glare from the six DPs threatens to make the game itself almost an afterthought. Garber admitted that the international interest doesn't happen without teams using the DP rule to its maximum, especially in the most recent transfer window when the likes of Pirlo, Dos Santos and Didier Drogba (to the Montreal Impact) all came on board.

LA Galaxy midfielder Giovani dos Santos speaks in regards to Major League Soccer's progression, what he hopes to bring to the Galaxy and what it will be like playing against Galaxy teammates when the United States faces Mexico.

The match is important to the clubs, mind you. L.A. has been one of the hottest teams in the league of late, going 7-2-1 in its last 10 matches, and is well positioned to grab the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup double that eluded it last year. NYCFC is currently outside the playoffs places, and is desperate for points. With Pirlo now firmly ensconced in the side and Lampard close to a return from a calf injury, manager Jason Kreis is hoping his team can go on the type of run that will nick one of the last postseason spots.

But there has been talk in some circles about Sunday's match being historic -- a term that the league has overused in the past -- or that this is the advent of MLS 3.0, one of those "Where were you when..." moments.

Granted, this is the kind of spectacle that MLS has long craved, but big-name players are just one piece of the puzzle. The league has done well over the past 20 years to carve out its niche in an overcrowded North American sports market, as well as a television landscape in which soccer games from higher-profile leagues are beamed in from all over the world. Grabbing that mindshare of existing soccer fans and turning them into MLS fans has long been one of the league's biggest challenges. Matches such as Sunday's, with international stars on show, are another opportunity to draw those fans in.

The league must still tread lightly however, so that the search for sizzle doesn't come at the expense of the steak.

MLS has gotten to where it is by taking a slow and steady approach, building its foundation carefully and then adding to the structure brick by brick whether it's in terms of player development, stadiums or its selection of expansion markets. To be fair, there is plenty of evidence that MLS is aware of this need for balance.

NYCFC midfielder Frank Lampard speaks about playing with Steven Gerrard for England and can't wait to line up against him in MLS.

Garber is quick to highlight the competitiveness of other teams such as Sporting Kansas City that have enjoyed success without relying on big-name DPs like L.A. and NYCFC have. The addition of the Targeted Allocation Money has also given teams more flexibility than in the past in terms of adding talented players. There will be continued back and forth on how best to construct a roster, even as that definition might vary from market to market, or from owner to owner.

"Every time we have an approach for competitive balance, I hear people say, 'We need more stars,'" Garber said. "Then when we get more stars, people say, 'What are you doing? You have too many star players in the league.'

"Our clubs are going to continue to put the best product on the field, and the owners will work together to provide the right roster rules so that we can have a product that can be attractive and compete for the hearts and minds of the soccer fan and soccer viewer in our region."

In terms of Sunday's match, there will be plenty of other players to watch. There is the chance to witness a rising star in NYCFC forward Kwadwo Poku, as well as promising L.A. players in Gyasi Zardes and Sebastian Lletget.

It is that combination of old and new, traditional names as well as emerging stars, that will create the kind of powerful wave to keep the league's momentum going well beyond Sunday's match.

Juventus 0-1 Udinese: Thereau stuns wasteful champions

The home side spurned a number of chances, most notably through Mario Mandzukic, before a late sucker-punch condemned them to defeat

Juventus were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as Udinese snatched a late strike to seal a 1-0 win in Turin.

Thereau ghosted in at the back post with 12 minutes to play to fire Udinese to all three points in Stefano Colantuono's first league game at the helm.

After scoring 72 top-flight goals last season as they romped to a fourth successive title, Juve were uncharacteristically profligate on Sunday as they lost on home soil on the opening day for the first time.

Udinese had to ride their luck at times, with Orestis Karnezis' goal leading a charmed life as Mario Mandzukic and Roberto Pereyra went closest.

But it was at the other end that the breakthrough came as Thereau provided a close-range finish past an exposed Gianluigi Buffon.

Massimiliano Allegri used all three of his substitutions in the second half, but failed to get the desired response as Juve were stunned by a side that finished 16th last season

Allegri's new-look Juve began life without Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal on the front foot, with Kingsley Coman particularly lively in attack alongside Mandzukic.

Midway through a half dominated by Juve, Pereyra was presented with the clearest opening after a mazy run from Coman, but the Argentine failed to get enough power in his shot to worry Karnezis.

Juve's failure to convert possession into goals nearly cost them on the half hour as Ali Adnan – the first Iraqi player in Serie A – jinked through two tackles on the edge of the penalty area, but his effort was the wrong side of Buffon's left-hand post.

Late pressure from the hosts saw Stephan Lichtsteiner sting the palms of Karnezis with a low drive from the right, before Mandzukic headed over a superb cross from the Swiss full-back.

Determined to get their campaign off to a positive start, Juve raised the tempo even further after the restart, but once again were let down by the quality of their finishing.

Mandzukic was unable to turn a diving header goalwards, Simone Padoin fluffed his lines 12 yards from goal after Coman's pass and Pereyra got the ball stuck under his feet five yards out in a frantic five minutes before the hour.

Thereau then stunned the Juventus Stadium with the game's only goal after 78 minutes, the unmarked Frenchman pouncing on a Panagiotis Kone cross to fire past Buffon.

Substitute Paulo Dybala led the charge on Udinese's goal in the closing minutes, but Juve's 47-game unbeaten streak at home in the league came to an end.

MLS Recreates Andrea Pirlo as a Doll to Celebrate His Arrival at NYCFC

You have one of the most cultured players of recent times arrive in your league—the only sensible thing to do is make a doll of him that you can dress in different attire.

That's what the MLS has done for Andrea Pirlo, now of New York City Football Club. They've created the "Pirdoll."

You can put him in his new kit, his old Juventus shirt or even the Italy blue. And if he's got an important engagement, there's always the suit, or even his architect gear.

So what do you think: No Pirdoll, no party?

Andrea Pirlo reveals the Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool stars he most admired

ANDREA PIRLO has heaped praise on Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.

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The Italy star has claimed the former England midfielder is one of the best players ever.

He told Shortlist magazine: “Paul Scholes was technically one of the best I have seen – not just one of the best Englishmen, but quite simply one of the best.

Pirlo also claimed that England should have performed far better than in recent years.

He added: “There was a point when England had Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, and that was the stage when you looked at England and thought they could really win something.

The Reds had been linked with the former AC Milan and Juventus playmaker.

He has won the Champions League twice and helped Italy win the World Cup in 2006.

When quizzed about his switch to New York, Pirlo said: "This is a club on the rise and shares my same hunger to achieve important results in the league. I am hoping to win.

"I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team."

Galliani: ‘Pirlo my biggest error’

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani says letting Andrea Pirlo leave was ‘my biggest mistake’, and talks about transfer targets.

Galliani was one of the members of the Rossoneri hierarchy deemed most responsible for Pirlo’s departure to Juventus on a free transfer in 2011, but claimed it wasn't his fault alone.

“The biggest mistake that I made on the market was to let Pirlo leave, although it was an error shared with others. Don’t ask me who,” the 71-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is under contract with PSG until June 30, 2016 and there’s nothing more to say on that.

“Alessio Romagnoli? It depends on Roma, we have offered €25m. But if they don’t want to sell him, they won’t sell him. And if he doesn’t come, we’ll stay as we are.

“We gave Philippe Mexes and Nigel De Jong renewals because they can offer a lot. In the derby with Inter in China they showed that.

“Jackson Martinez? When he was a step away from joining us, he chose Atletico Madrid. But we are happy because we took Carlos Bacca - a great player, coached by a talented tactician at Sevilla.”

Think you know your Italian football? Share your knowledge, tips and comments to win cash prizes in OLBG's tipster competition - £11,000 to be won monthly!

Andrea Pirlo: Top 5 Defining Moments

Andrea Pirlo made his New York City FC debut on Sunday afternoon.

The 32,041 fans at Yankee Stadium erupted as the Club's third Designated Player came onto the field in the 56th minute in place of Mehdi Ballouchy. Pirlo was involved in not one, but two of New York City FC's goals in the second half as the Club beat Orlando City SC 5-3.

In correlation with that moment going down in New York City FC lore, we take a look back at the Top 5 Defining Moments of Andrea Pirlo's illustrious and successful domestic and international playing career.

Brescia v Juventus
Serie A
April 2001

Back on loan at his boyhood club Brescia from Inter, Pirlo teamed up with one of his boyhood heroes Roberto Baggio for a half-season spell which prompted AC Milan into signing the youngster.

Still only 22 years old, Pirlo had only just been converted from an attacking midfielder into a deep-lying playmaker by Brescia manager Carlos Mazzone as a result of Baggio occupying the No. 10 role.

It proved to be a natural fit for Pirlo and it was the position he would remain in through a glorious, trophy-laden career for both club and country.

On April 1, 2001, Baggio came up against his former side and one Pirlo would go on to represent with distinction in the future, Juventus.

In the match, Pirlo truly announced himself as a future star with a stunning long range pass which Baggio famously converted to clinch an unlikely 1-1 draw against the title chasers at Stadio delle Alpi.

Italy v France
FIFA World Cup Final
July 2006

Although the match is likely to be remembered more for the abrupt end to Zinedine Zidane’s career, Pirlo was named Man of the Match in Berlin following an outstanding performance in the heart of the Azzurri midfield.

Pirlo was named Man of the Match on three occasions during the competition as Italy went on to lift the most prestigious trophy in the game, earning third place in the official Player of the Tournament award.

He converted his penalty in the shootout against France in the final to put Italy on the brink of a first World Cup win in 24 years.

He reflected lyrically afterwards: “I took a long, intense breath. That breath was mine, but it could have been the manual worker who struggles to make it to the end of the month, the rich businessman who is a bit of a s***, the teacher, the student, the Italian expats who never left our side during the tournament, the well-to-do Milanese signora, the hooker on the street corner. In that moment, I was all of them.

“You won’t believe me, but it was right in that very moment I understood what a great thing it is to be Italian. It’s a truly priceless privilege.”

AC Milan v Liverpool
UEFA Champions League Final
May 2007

In the midfielder’s 2013 autobiography “I Think, Therefore I Play,” Pirlo described AC Milan’s defeat to Liverpool in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final as the most painful of his career.

The Rossoneri were cruising at halftime, holding a 3-0 advantage, but an unprecedented second-half turnaround from the Merseysiders left Pirlo contemplating giving it all up for good.

"When the torture of the game was finished, we sat like a bunch of half-wits in the dressing room. We couldn't speak, we couldn't move - they'd mentally destroyed us,” he revealed years later. “The damage was already evident even in those early moments, and it only got more stark and serious as the hours went on. Insomnia, rage, depression, a sense of nothingness. We'd invented a new disease with multiple symptoms: Istanbul syndrome.

"I no longer felt like a player, and that was devastating enough. Even worse, I no longer felt like a man."

Two years later, AC Milan were handed a shot at redemption in Athens when they met Liverpool once again in the biggest match in European club soccer.

They would not pass it up. Pirlo’s free-kick deflected off Filippo Inzaghi to give Milan a 1-0 lead on the stroke of halftime which they doubled after the break through the same player.

That was enough to give Pirlo the revenge he craved and a second UEFA Champions League winners’ medal.

Italy v England
UEFA European Championship Quarterfinal
July 2012

Not too much was expected of Italy at Euro 2012 but they went on to surpass all expectations, reaching the final of the competition.

Unfortunately for the Azzurri, they met a Spain side who were simply too good for them in the final but they still had cause to look on their time in the tournament fondly – especially their quarterfinal against England.

Many amateur psychologists postulated after the penalty shootout win that Pirlo’s chipped “Panenka” penalty had been crucial in breaking England’s spirit, causing confidence to ebb away from the Three Lions.

However, it was a decision taking on the fly, according to the man himself.

He remembers: “I made my decision at the last second when I saw Joe Hart doing all sorts on his line. As I began my run-up, I still hadn’t decided what to do. Then he moved and my mind was made up.

“It was impromptu — the only way I could see of pushing my scoring chances close to 100 percent. There was no showboating — that’s not my style. Many so-called experts perceived all manner of meanings in that episode. A secret desire for revenge; something I’d practiced between games. Well, for one thing, we hardly trained towards the end of that tournament — the constant travelling between Poland and Ukraine ate into our time and energy.

“Anyway, can you really plan something so far in advance? If you can, you’re either Totti, a clairvoyant or stupid.”

That settles that, then.

Juventus v Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League Semifinal
May 2015

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti identified Pirlo’s presence as the determining factor in the fateful first-leg of their Champions League semifinal against underdogs Juventus a few months ago.

"Pressure on Pirlo made us open our midfield line too much," Ancelotti explained after the game. "It allowed them to find a through ball for (Carlos) Tevez, something that happened a lot in the first half."

The playmaker wreaked havoc again in the second leg with another sumptuous midfield display which proved that, even at the age of 36, Pirlo is still one of the most decisive players in world soccer.

Although they lost the final to Barcelona, the Old Lady gave a good account of themselves and Pirlo was his usual creative self, nearly leading an unlikely fightback after Ivan Rakitic’s early strike.

Andrea Pirlo makes MLS debut - and proves he knows EVERYTHING about free-kicks

Watch the Italian genius step inside the mind of fellow MLS superstar Kaka - and decipher exactly where his free-kick is going to go

Much like Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Jose Mourinho, we always suspected Andrea Pirlo was too perfect to be entirely human.

And now we have proof - the clip you can see above.

It comes from the extravagantly suave Italian midfielder's recent Major League Soccer debut for New York City FC, a 5-3 defeat of Orlando City. Orlando's star man is Real Madrid and AC Milan legend Kaka, meaning America was treated to two pass masters doing their thing.

However, as the video shows, only one of these two great men can read the other's mind.

It shows Kaka stepping up to have a shot at goal from a free-kick. After one glance at the Brazilian, Pirlo somehow figures out exactly where Kaka's shot is going - and tells his goalkeeper where to dive.

He is, of course, absolutely right.

But how did he know? How did he get into Kaka's brain and figure it out?

Pirlo exit my biggest mistake, admits Galliani

The transfer guru regrets his decision to allow the Italy international to move on, while he is happy Milan eventually missed out on Jackson Martinez

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has admitted that allowing Andrea Pirlo to leave the club for Juventus in the summer of 2011 was the biggest mistake of his career.

The 36-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by then Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and was eventually snapped up by Juventus on a free transfer.

Pirlo proved Milan wrong by guiding Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles, though, and Galliani has conceded he should have held on to the gifted playmaker.

"Letting Pirlo go was my biggest mistake ever," Galliani was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It was an error I made, together with a number of other persons. But don't ask me who the others were."

Galliani was close to luring Jackson Martinez to Milan earlier this summer, but he has no regrets that the Colombia international joined Atletico Madrid in the end, with the Rossoneri eventually signing Carlos Bacca from Sevilla instead.

"We were really close to signing him, but then he chose for Atletico instead.

"But we are happy with his decision now because that allowed us to bring in Carlos Bacca: a great player."

The Milan supremo also had his say on the potential arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessio Romagnoli from Paris Saint-Germain and Roma, respectively.

"Ibrahimovic has a contract with PSG until June 2016. That's all I can say about it at the moment.

"With Romagnoli, it all depends on Roma. We have offered them €25 million. But if they don't want to sell, then we have to accept that."

Welcome Maestro Pirlo,` say Lampard, Villa

Italian great Andrea Pirlo announced his move to New York City FC on Monday and new teammates Frank Lampard and David Villa welcomed him to Major League Soccer`s hottest club. 

New York: Italian great Andrea Pirlo announced his move to New York City FC on Monday and new teammates Frank Lampard and David Villa welcomed him to Major League Soccer`s hottest club.

"Bienvenido Maestro," tweeted Spanish striker Villa.Pirlo, a 36-year-old midfielder, enjoyed star turns at AC Milan, where he won two Champions League titles, and for the past four seasons at Juventus, where he won four Serie A crowns and lost in this year`s Champions League final. He also starred in Italy`s 2006 World Cup triumph.

"What a signing! Welcome to the club Andrea Pirlo!" said England`s Lampard on Facebook.

Lampard, a 37-year-old midfielder, and Villa, a 33-year-old forward, join Pirlo in bringing star power to a club co-owned by English Premier League side Manchester City and Major League Baseball`s New York Yankees.

It`s a star trio that football fans in New York have not seen since the 1970s heyday of the New York Cosmos, when Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia were among the players who gave the sport its first major US spark.

"I`ve been wanting this experience for a long time and now that the opportunity materialized I wanted to take it," Pirlo said in comments on the club website. "This is a club on the rise and shares my same hunger to achieve important results in the league. I am hoping to win.

"I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team."

NYCFC, who play in the famed Yankee Stadium, have won just five times and picked up just 20 points in 18 matches in the current MLS campaign, but they have won four of their past five league matches and will hope to get a boost from Lampard`s arrival last week and Pirlo`s now.

Pirlo will join the club on July 21 according to the team website, in time for him to make his NYCFC debut five days later at home against fellow first-year club Orlando City.

"Nobody could question that in Pirlo we are bringing one of the best in the world and one of the finest players to come to MLS," said New York City coach Jason Kreis. 

"Like David Villa, his final game in Europe was the Champions League final, which demonstrates a player competing at the highest level of our sport. We are getting a player with a competitive spirit and a winning mentality."

Pirlo, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, said he was impressed with the club after meeting with Kreis.

"He has well defined ideas in mind, and I am sure we will get on well and create a good relationship to train well and try to win together," Pirlo said.

Claudio Reyna, New York City`s sporting director, called Pirlo "one of the most recognized and influential players in world soccer" and added: "We are building something incredibly special in New York."

Frank Lampard Says He's Lucky to Play Alongside Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo joined American club New York City FC on Monday from Italian champions Juventus and was instantly praised by Lampard, himself a legend at English team Chelsea.

Frank Lampard during a press conference in New York,

© AP

Former England midfielder Frank Lampard considers himself lucky to play alongside Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo. (Frank Lampard feels fantastic at his second coming for New York City)

Pirlo joined American club New York City FC on Monday from Italian champions Juventus and was instantly praised by Lampard, himself a legend at English team Chelsea.

Lampard said he can't wait to play alongside two greats of the game, Pirlo and Spanish ace David Villa. (Steven Gerrard insists football in USA is no holiday for him)

"David and Andrea are at the top of the list, I'm a lucky man to be in the same squad as them," Lampard was quoted as saying by goal.com on Tuesday. (Lionel Messi does not deserve criticism)

"I've been watching all the games. I know every player and how they play. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day. I think Pirlo is the best at getting his ball to dip and dive off the free kick. He can have the first one" he added.

Lampard spent the last season on loan at English side Manchester City from the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit. But this season he will play for the MLS side and could make his debut in Sunday's meeting with Toronto FC. (Cristiano Ronaldo meets near-nude clone in Tokyo)

Revealed: How Arturo Vidal sealed a move to Bayern Munich and not Arsenal or Man United

ARTURO VIDAL asked to leave Juventus, admits director general Giuseppe Marotta.

The Chile midfielder is set to join Bayern Munich after saying his goodbyes to the Italian club.

Vidal was linked with a switch to Arsenal and was tracked by Manchester United last summer.

And Moratta admits Vidal secured his move by asking to leave the club - just like Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo.

“We’ve always said we won’t sell players unless the players indicate that’s what they want,” Marotta said.

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Arturo Vidal is set to join Bayern Munich this summer

“That’s how it was. [Carlos] Tevez asked to return home to Argentina. [Andrea] Pirlo made some assessments, and decided he wanted a new experience.

“[Angelo] Ogbonna asked for opportunity and consistency in playing time, and as for Vidal I asked him before I went to meet the Bayern Munich leadership.

“He confirmed he wanted a different experience. I’d also emphasise that the player had a contract ending in 2017, while they’re offering him a five-year contract, and that’s very important for his future.

“We’re not a selling club, we’re attentive to those who can increase our quality level.

Arsenal Transfer News: Draxler set for talks, Chelsea star slams move, defender swoop

EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest transfer news from the Emirates.

The Gunners are lining up a move for Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his defence this summer with Nacho Monreal nearing an exit.

Monreal could join Athletic Bilbao this summer and Kolasinac, a Bosnia international, could be the man for Wenger.

But Wenger has been been dealt a blow in his pursuit of Julian Draxler.

The German winger is set for talks with Juventus.

The 21-year-old, who has struggled with injury over the last 12 months, is a long-term target for the French boss.

But Juventus, having sold Arturo Vidal to Bayern and lost Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez are looking to regroup.

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Juliam Draxler is in talks with Juventus

Arsenal's signing of Petr Cech has been slammed by Nemanja Matic.

The Chelsea midfielder is critical of his club's decision to sell to a rival.

"Petr is a great guy and a great keeper," Matic said. "It is going to be a very important signing for them.

"But I am not happy because of that. We know that he is very professional. He is one of the best keepers. 

"And I hope this season he does not perform as he did here for 10/11 years.

"I am happy for him because he gets to stay in London, which for him and his family was very important. I wish him all the best."