It does not come as a surprise that Andrea Pirlo owns a vineyard, given the way that he is ageing like a fine wine.

The Italian World Cup winner and Euro 2012 finalist was winning his 100th cap last night in his country's opening game of the Confederations Cup and his version of popping the cork frothed with class.

The deep-lying playmaker curled in a trademark inch-perfect free kick in a first half, during last night's 2 - 1 win which saw Mario Balotelli score the winner against Mexico.

Balotelli was hoping to take that free kick but was quitely advised to step away by Pirlo who showed why he is not only dangerous sending laser-guided passes to the far corners of the pitch.