Juventus defender Chiellini hails Pirlo ahead of AC Milan clash

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has voiced his opinion that playmaker Andrea Pirlo is the one who makes the difference for the Bianconeri ahead of Saturday evening's Serie A clash away against AC Milan.

Pirlo left Milan for Juventus on a free transfer at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, and has since developed into the undisputed key player at the Old Lady.

"Pirlo is the player who has really changed things at Juve. He really wanted to get back into the game, and has shown that he's an extraordinary person and a fantastic player," Chiellini was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport.

"We don't have a player like [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, but we make up for it with our determination and our will to win."

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated his belief that Pirlo is the best midfielder in the world.

"For me, Pirlo is the best midfielder in the world. Signing him was crucial for Juventus. He will continue to play until he turns 40."

The 32-year-old midfielder hass a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2014.