Pinto saved Pirlo penalty in the Gamper

Andrea Pirlo, who stunned Europe last night with his Panenka-style penalty, didn’t have the same fortune when faced by José Manuel Pinto at the Joan Gamper Trophy in 2010. The Barça keeper opted to stay still and had no problem stopping the Italian’s spot-kick. Pinto also kept out penalties from Seedorf and Jankulovski to ensure FC Barcelona won the 45th edition of the Gamper.

Success in Europe

The story was very different for Pirlo on Sunday night. After a great game in the Italian midfield, the quarter final against England came down to a shootout. He got the better of Joe Hart with a coolly converted penalty to draw the count back level after Montolivo had squandered his own attempt. Pirlo took the responsibility into his hands and it was largely thanks to him that Italy are now facing Germany in the last four.