05 May 2015
Andrea Pirlo has called on the Bianconeri to retain the same focus shown in tonight’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid when they head to Spain for the return leg in eight days’ time.
The 35-year-old, who put in a combative display alongside Claudio Marchisio and European debutant Stefano Sturaro during this evening’s semi-final first leg in Turin, urged the Bianconeri to not get ahead of themselves despite their advantage.
Speaking to reporters pitchside, he began: “It was a difficult match and we need to be completely focused for the return leg.
“There’s still another game, nothing is settled yet. We want to go to Spain and put in a great performance and keep the same focus that we showed in today’s encounter.”
This year’s final will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, a venue which holds great memories for Pirlo who was part of the Italy side that won the 2006 World Cup on German turf.
And while acknowledging that making an appearance at the ground would be an opportunity he would relish, the veteran midfielder stated that the tie remains in the balance as the Bianconeri look to reach their first Champions League final since 2003.
He concluded: “Of course Berlin is a city that’s full of fond memories but there’s still a return leg to play.
“We’ve sent out a message to the rest of Europe: we want to reach the Champions League final and we’ll give it everything we’ve got in Madrid.”
