Ciro Ferrara: Pirlo is one of the best players ever

Italy Under-21 coach Ciro Ferrara has hailed Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo as one of the best players in the history of the game, and believes that the Italy international has been the difference between the Old Lady and their title rivals AC Milan this season.

The 32-year-old left the Rossoneri for the Turin giants on a free transfer at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, and has since developed into a key player at the current Serie A leaders.

"Pirlo is the secret behind Juventus' success. In a sense, he has made the difference not only for Juventus, but also for AC Milan who decided to let him go," Ferrara stated to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He has made the difference in a positive way for Juventus, and in a negative way for Milan.

"He is one of the best players in the world in my opinion. I see him as one the best midfielders in the history of the game. You don't read about him a lot, because of his quiet character. Pirlo is Juve's secret, though. He's one of the best ever."

Pirlo has made 33 Serie A appearances for Juventus, scoring three goals, while setting up 11 more.