Inter Milan boss Mancini coy over Pirlo loan link

Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has not ruled out a loan move for New York City FC's Andrea Pirlo, stating "anything can happen in football."

The legendary Italian midfielder only joined the new MLS franchise in July, but between its failure to make the postseason and Pirlo's desire to represent his country, a temporary spell back in his homeland may be an appealing course of action.

"I've not spoken to him," Mancini said Saturday, according to the official Inter website. "But anything can happen in football. MLS is over for the season so maybe he wants to rest, but I'm sure clubs will be interested if he fancies a return to Italy because he's a fantastic player."

The 36-year-old spent three years with Internazionale around the turn of the century, but it was in his 10 years with AC Milan and four-year spell marshalling the Juventus midfield where he collected all of his major honours at club level.

He also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

"He's a champion - not your average player. He has amazing technique and reads the game quicker than most other players," Mancini said. "In the future we may look at players with similar characteristics because we have players that are very physically strong and they can give us more when the pitches cut up a bit."

Mancini's side faces a trip to Torino on Sunday, and sits second in Serie A - only off the top due to an inferior goal difference to Fiorentina.