Ancelotti claims Pirlo doesn't suit Italy's pressing style

New Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Antonio Conte made the highly criticised decision to leave  Andrea Pirlo out of his Italy squad for Euro 2016 because the midfielder does not suit his pressing style.

Many were shocked to hear of the 37-year-olds fate, with Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti already absent in midfield. However Ancelotti understands Conte's decision, and has also stated that the MLS move didn't do his international career any favours. 

"The current Italy team will have to find a good model of play that suits them because Conte does not have many star names and he has already lost Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio to injury," Ancelotti told The Telegraph.

"My guess is that Conte wants to play with a high intensity which is why he has not selected Pirlo. 

"Obviously, I love Pirlo as a player. My God, what a talent. But playing for New York City in Major League Soccer means that he has grown accustomed to another kind of rhythm.

"He is 37 now and if his manager wants to play the pressing game then Pirlo is not the obvious choice. Even so, Pirlo spots a pass in a split-second that lesser players could spend a whole lifetime waiting to see.

"The key to Italy's success will be getting the tactical approach just right and they already have a strong defensive structure from the Juventus players in the squad."

Italy have been placed in Group E along with Sweden, Belgium and Republic of Ireland.