Marotta wishes for Pirlo double

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is dreaming of Andrea Pirlo scoring a brace on his return to AC Milan on Saturday.

The 32-year-old closed the curtain on a decade-long career with the San Siro club last year, moving to Milan’s fierce rivals at the start of the season.

The Turin club have since enjoyed a change in fortunes, and are realistic Scudetto contenders for the first time since relegation from the top-flight in 2006.

They face their closest title rivals over the weekend, and Marotta said he is hoping that Pirlo can be the man to dent Massimiliano Allegri’s side’s Serie A aspirations.

“I dream of winning at Milan with two goals from Pirlo,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Marotta also revealed the circumstances in which Pirlo joined the club, and has praised his positive influence on the squad.

“We contacted Pirlo as soon as the rules allowed us to. The only doubt about him was regarding his fitness but, apart from his last season at Milan, he always played more than 30 games a season,” Marotta said.

“Aside from his technical qualities, Andrea is fundamental in the changing room, given his charisma and experience.”

Marotta added that Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence through suspension is of little importance, due to their all-round quality.

“We’re indifferent to Ibrahimovic’s absence. Unfortunately Milan remain very strong with or without him. The tie is still difficult. It’ll be fascinating, but hard,” he said.