PIRLO...

Pirlo

His expression betrays

Little but the bother of the lank hair,

Or maybe the irritation of an itch

In the depths of his swarthy, bearded face...

Sanguin.

His gait displays

Little in the way of an imminent dash,

Or indeed an injection of urgency

From the sinews of his lean, embattled limbs...

Languid.

His distribution arrays

Little of the congestion of midfield hustle,

Or, in fact, the intimidation of a tackle

By the spoil of a mean, destructive rival...

Adroit...

Pete Ray

June 2014

Andrea Pirlo, the Italian and Juventus midfielder.

His calm demeanour haunts soccer.

Genuine talent.