Success by stealth

THERE is a certain symmetry that the player who got Italy’s World Cup campaign off to a winning start is the same one whose intervention earned them a place in tomorrow’s final against France.

It was Andrea Pirlo who scored Italy’s first goal in Germany with a fierce drive from outside the area just before half-time against tough opponents Ghana, and his all-round contribution helped him win Man of the Match for the game.

Pirlo was even more impressive in the semi-final win over Germany. With the hosts missing Torsten Frings and bringing in Sebastien Kehl to keep a close watch on Francesco Totti, it was Pirlo who was allowed room to control the midfield, break up