Pirlo: “I Had Talks with Salernitana But Nothing Materialized”

Former Azzurri teammates Filippo Inzaghi and Andrea Pirlo came face-to-face in the Coppa Italia on Monday night, as the former beat the latter by an overwhelming scoreline. The 4-0 victory for the Granata dumped the Blucerchiati out of the second round, and Pirlo took responsibility for the defeat in Salerno.

The ex-Milan and Juventus midfielder reviewed his side’s performances in the heavy defeat.

“I fielded those who played little and expected them to prove that I was wrong in keeping them out. We weren’t able to get into the game. I saw a fearful Sampdoria. We certainly could have done better.” (via Tuttomercatoweb)

Pirlo was quizzed why former world champions with Italy have difficulty in kickstarting their coaching careers.

“I don’t think it’s a question that concerns world champions. All coaches have had ups and downs in their careers. I believe that the beginnings are especially complicated and you have to learn to get the best out of every experience. We are just getting started, there is no magic wand or technical staff that can win all the championships.”

He then confirmed he was close to taking Inzaghi’s place in the Salernitana dugout.

“Yes, I had talks with the president and the directors in the past. But then nothing materialized,” before praising his ex-Milan teammate: “He’s a great coach and I’m convinced that he’ll get out of this ranking situation very soon. Our relationship is excellent, you all know that, and it’s always a pleasure to meet again.”

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