Pirlo would welcome Balotelli at Juventus

Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he would welcome Mario Balotelli at Juventus and dismissed the suggestion that the enigmatic forward would be a disruptive influence in the dressing room.

The Bianconeri's primary summer transfer target is believed to be Arsenal forward Robin van Persie but all of the major Italian dailies claimed last week that Balotelli is now a very real alternative to the Dutchman.

When asked by Sky Sport Italia if he would like to see Balotelli join him in Turin this summer, Pirlo answered unequivocally.

"Of course," the playmaker replied. "We are two Bresciani and we even speak in that dialect when we're with the national team."

When it was put to Pirlo that the arrival of his Italy team-mate at Juventus Stadium could create tension within Antonio Conte's squad, the regista insisted: "There is no problem [with Mario]."

Meanwhile, Pirlo admitted that he hopes that not only will he be a part of the Azzurri's World Cup squad, but also that Cesare Prandelli will still be at the helm.

"I hope to have the strength to get to Brazil 2014," the midfielder confessed. "Prandelli created something new; it would be terrible to see him leave the national team."

Pirlo drew plenty of plaudits for his performances in Poland and Ukraine this summer and it was even suggested that he had propelled himself into contention for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, the 33-year-old believes that such talk is fanciful.

"I believe there is little chance there," he argued. "I think that fun players like Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi should win it."

Pirlo joined Juve on a free transfer last summer after AC Milan decided against ceding to his request for a new three-year contract.