Pirlo to exit international football after World Cup

THE World Cup will be Andrea Pirlo's Italian swansong.

The 35-year-old midfielder had indicated that he will retire from international football at the end of the tournament in Brazil.

Pirlo has signed a new two-year contract with Juventus. His contract was set to run out, but now he will remain in Turin until June 2016.

However, Pirlo - capped 109 times by the Azzuri - seems set to depart the international stage this summer.

"I'm starting to get old. It would be useless to continue," said Pirlo.

"Of course I'll always be ready if they call me back but if I'm on the national team and I don't play that would really bother me. So it's better to stay at home.

"I have a certain age and it’s only right to leave the field to the next generation coming through.

"I'll be hanging up my heart."

Pirlo and Italy are preparing for their opener on Saturday in the searing heat of Manaus with the player meeting Brazilian Juninho at the Italian's training base, the Portobello Resort & Safari in Mangaratiba to go through set-piece approaches. 

Pirlo says the much-talked about heat and humidity of Manaus won't be a problem for Cesare Pramdelli's team:

He said: "It will be very hot in Manaus for us, just as it will be for England, so it's not a problem for one team more than another.

"We are preparing well in terms of training, food and hydration, so those elements can help.

"We are 23 players at the disposal of the coach and know to go all the way we need a contribution from everyone, as we learned in 2006. Even 10 minutes can be enough to make a decisive contribution."

Pirlo was a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006 and helped guide them to the final of Euro 2012, which they lost to Spain. Along the way he netted a memorable Panenka penalty to gun down the English.

With the 'Professor' set to concentrate on club matters with Juventus - having aided the Bianconeri to a third-straight Scudetto last season - the Coupe de Monde gives him the chance to provide a coup de grace.

A selection of stunning free kickd from Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo's cheeky peno against England in Euro 2012