2012 Italy Home – Pirlo #21 Small

Tournament Overview

This is the Azzurri home shirt from the UEFA Euro 2012 era, the tournament where Italy reached the final in Poland and Ukraine. Cesare Prandelli’s side had qualified unbeaten and were drawn in Group C with the reigning world and European champions Spain, plus Croatia and the Republic of Ireland. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Spain, drew with Croatia, and beat Ireland to finish second in the group.

In the knockouts Italy went through a 0-0 quarter-final with England on penalties. In the semi-final they beat favourites Germany 2-1 in Warsaw, with Mario Balotelli scoring both goals. The final in Kyiv ended in a 4-0 defeat to Spain, who became the first nation to win three straight major titles. Italy’s run to the final is still remembered as one of the most attractive and surprising Azzurri campaigns of the modern era.

Player’s Impact – Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo turned 33 just before the tournament. He arrived fresh from a Serie A title in his first season at Juventus, having led the league with 13 assists. At Euro 2012 he was the heartbeat of Italy’s midfield. He was man of the match against Spain after setting up Antonio Di Natale’s opening goal. He then curled home a free kick against Croatia.

His defining moment came in the quarter-final shootout against England. He chipped a Panenka penalty down the middle, and it swung the shootout in Italy’s favour. Several journalists rated him among the best players of the tournament. UEFA’s player of the tournament award went to Andrés Iniesta, who had been in a close contest with Pirlo before the final. This shirt carries the #21 and the name of the playmaker who defined Italy’s run.

Italy Squad – UEFA Euro 2012

Manager: Cesare Prandelli

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (1), Salvatore Sirigu (12), Morgan De Sanctis (14)

Defenders: Christian Maggio (2), Giorgio Chiellini (3), Angelo Ogbonna (4), Federico Balzaretti (6), Ignazio Abate (7), Andrea Barzagli (15), Leonardo Bonucci (19)

Midfielders: Thiago Motta (5), Claudio Marchisio (8), Emanuele Giaccherini (13), Daniele De Rossi (16), Riccardo Montolivo (18), Andrea Pirlo (21), Alessandro Diamanti (22), Antonio Nocerino (23)

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (9), Antonio Cassano (10), Antonio Di Natale (11), Fabio Borini (17), Sebastian Giovinco (20)