WATCH: Andrea Pirlo’s very literal definition of guarding the near post

Pirlo cut a disinterested figure despite having a front-row seat for this New England Revolution goal.

By Stephen Barry

Andrea Pirlo may have been born into the Italian culture of football but we doubt he was too interested when Maldini, Nesta and co. were dishing out lessons on defence.

The most nonchalant Italian on the planet was lining out in New York City FC’s final game of the MLS season last night and had a front-row seat for New England Revolution’s third goal of the game.

It’s not that the goal was Pirlo’s fault – far from it – it’s just a matter of how disinterested he was, using the goal-frame as his personal leaning post.

Although he certainly did protect the post from any impact!

NYCFC's post-season hopes were long lost before last night so we’ll forgive Pirlo for this one.

Not that he is without any defensive genius, though, especially when it comes to reading the mind of opposition free-kick takers…

He's just better at frees than corners.

H/T: Balls.ie