Pirlo was now focusing more on his defensive game during training, under the guidance of Mourinho, who instructed him to learn from Makélélé and Van Bommel.
From Makélélé, Pirlo learned the art of screening the defense—cutting passing lanes, holding his position, and resisting the temptation to chase the ball. Since pace and stamina were never his strengths, he instead concentrated on anticipation and interceptions, mastering the timing needed to step in front of opponents without relying on sheer physicality.
From Van Bommel, Pirlo absorbed a different lesson: how and when to impose himself. The Dutchman's aggressive style showed him the value of well-timed surges from midfield, vertical runs that could disrupt the opposition's shape and tilt the rhythm of the game in his team's favor.
