Milan block Pirlo's Olympic chance

Under-21 and Olympic coach Claudio Gentile had named the talented playmaker as one of his wild card over-23 players, but looks likely to have to turn his attention elsewhere.

Pirlo will be needed at Milan early on in the season to replace Clarence Seedorf, who is recuperating from minor surgery, but the player is hoping for a compromise between Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and Gentile.

"As for my possible participation in the Olympics, I am waiting for Ancelotti and Gentile to talk," said Pirlo.

"I spoke to Gentile and said their should be no problems, but then Ancelotti called me and underlined the problems bound to the summer preparation and the large amount of matches to be played.

"As this point, I told the coaches to talk to each other and find an agreement."