Italy's Pirlo answers doubters

HANOVER, June 13 (Reuters) Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo's goal 2-0 Group E win over Ghana did more than break the deadlock in a tricky test for the Azzurri -- it cast aside the many doubts over the playmaker's form.

Pirlo has always been a crucial figure in Lippi's side but after a below-par season for his club AC Milan there had been fears that he would be unable to rediscover his best form in Germany.

Yesterday though Pirlo was back to his peak, sweeping up in front of the defence, ensuring possession was well maintained and prompting Italy's attacks.

His well taken goal, after Francesco Totti alertly spotted that he was left unattended on the edge of the area at a corner, was the best moment of an exceptional performance from Pirlo which deservedly earned him the man-of-the-match award.

''Right from the start I tried to win the ball in midfield and then launch our attacks,'' said Pirlo.

''Ghana were very strong in midfield, we knew that would be the case, but we were even better.

''Obviously it was fantastic to score the goal but the important thing was the result. We knew it would be a tough match and so we're very satisfied,'' said the midfielder.

DEEP ROLE Pirlo, whose career was transformed four years ago when Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti moved him to a deep role, had particular reason to be pleased with his fifth goal in the Italy shirt.

''I spoke to my son before the game and he asked me to score a goal for him, it was nice to be able to give him what he asked for,'' he said.

While three-year-old Niccolo Pirlo will have plenty to brag about at nursery this morning, Lippi also had his wish granted.

The Italy coach produced one surprise in his team selection by dropping Mauro Camoranesi and handing a start to Simone Perrotta in midfield.

It proved to be a wise choice -- Italy's three-man midfield, lacking the aggressive and tireless contribution of Gennaro Gattuso who sat out the match due to a thigh injury, was a tighter and more compact unit.

With Daniele De Rossi and Perrotta covering plenty of ground Pirlo, who operates as a deep-lying playmaker, had the cover and support he needs to play his prompting role to his best and he took full advantage.

The switch also meant that Francesco Totti, far from full fitness after his three-month absence following a broken ankle in February, was able to focus on his job of providing strikers Alberto Gilardino and Luca Toni with some quality service.

Totti did as well as could be expected of a player who stated he is only at ''70 per cent'' while in attack another question mark was removed by Toni's lively display, casting aside concerns that he may be jaded after his record-breaking 31-goal season in Serie A.

It will take more than a win over Ghana to convince a sceptical Italian public that they have a side with a real chance of success in Germany but the next games against the United States and the Czech Republic offer an opportunity for further doubts to be eased.

REUTERS PM KN1423