Monday 9 November 2015 21:57, UK
Andrea Pirlo's international career may be over, after the veteran midfielder was left out of the Italy squad for forthcoming friendlies against Belgium and Romania.
The 36-year-old moved to New York City FC earlier this year, following an illustrious career in Serie A.
And Italy coach Antonio Conte accepted that, with the American MLS season now complete, it was no surprise that Pirlo had not been selected.
Conte said: "Not calling up Pirlo was to be expected because he has not been playing for over two weeks because of the end of the MLS season.
"He is a player who I hold in high esteem, and he knows this, but I must be cold in my analysis.
"Andrea will be 37 by next year's European Championship and we will have to see.
"The start of the season in the US will be in March, so I will have to make my evaluation and consider the possibility that I can't take him to the Euros."
Pirlo last represented Italy against Malta on September 3, but was dropped to the bench for the game with Bulgaria three days later.
He was named in Conte's squad for the double-header against Azerbaijan and Norway during October, but withdrew because of an adductor injury.
And Conte is urging Pirlo, who has 116 international caps, to consider a move back to Serie A during the MLS off-season.
He added: "If Pirlo returns to Italy I would be very pleased. He could train properly and would still make an impact. My fear is that by staying away he could lose all that."
Pirlo made his international debut in September 2002 and helped Italy win the World Cup in Germany four years later.
He was influential as Italy reached the final of Euro 2012 but could not prevent the Azzurri from suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Spain.
