Andrea Pirlo has
criticised the press
for the constant
attention placed on
Italy forward Mario
Balotelli, insisting the player must be
left in peace.
The former Manchester City and Inter
striker comes into the World Cup with
expectations on his shoulders, with
plenty of supporters concerned he
will not recapture the form he showed
in the Euro 2012 semi-final win over
Germany despite scoring 14 in 30
Serie A games for AC Milan last
season.
However, Pirlo believes that the 23-
year-old needs to be given time and
space to mature without the media
glare if he is to fulfil his potential as
a footballer and urged reporters to
judge him solely on his displays on
the pitch.
"I think we talk too much [about him],
about anything and everything," the
35-year-old told a press conference.
"He is a young player, he is good, but
you have to give him some air. When
he goes to the toilet, there is no
need to fill pages about Balotelli
going to the toilet. Everything he
does ends up in the newspapers and
I think that is unfair.
"He must be judged solely on what he
does on the field. The press spoke
and now there are huge expectations
around him. Sometimes it's good,
sometimes not. He still has to mature
and grow, but he will get there
probably much quicker if left in a
little peace. "
Pirlo remains a vital part of the
Azzurri set-up and was a World Cup
winner in 2006 when they overcame
France in the final, but he stressed
he is not an essential player for
Cesare Prandelli's side.
"When I'm on the field, actions pass
by me," he continued.
"I help the team play differently. But
the team is also able to play very
good matches without me."
Italy face England in Manaus on
Saturday as they begin their Group D
campaign.
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