Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 10y

Pirlo set to sign new Juventus deal

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he is set to sign a new two-year contract with the Serie A champions "in the next few days," and hopes coach Antonio Conte will follow suit.

#INSERT type:image caption:Andrea Pirlo is still key to the hopes of the Old Lady. END#

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The 34-year-old's current agreement with the Bianconeri expires at the end of June but there should be no complications in him putting pen to paper on an extension for two seasons, unlike Conte, who has hinted that he may seek a fresh challenge this summer.

"More or less we've reached an agreement," Pirlo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I hope the announcement is made in the next few days."

It will then be the turn of manager Conte to discuss new terms in Turin, with Pirlo hoping that he chooses to stay on and continue to bring success to the club.

"He's led us to three scudettos in three years and I hope [the weekend's game with Cagliari] won't be his last one for us," Pirlo added.

Conte's biggest concern appears to be Juve's lack of competitiveness in Europe. Indeed, after reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League last season, they were eliminated in the group stages of this year's competition by Galatasaray and were knocked out of the Europa League just one step short of the final by Benfica.

"That's something we're hugely disappointed about," Pirlo added. "I think Juve are stronger than both Benfica and Sevilla, but sadly we didn't prove it. But the experience can be regarded as a considerable step in our development. After all, winning in Europe's not easy for anybody -- just look at PSG and Manchester United.

"This is football. There are many sides in the frame, but only one of them can win in the end. If you want to win, you need a serious project. The most important element in our side has been the unity between the players and the coach."

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