With Italy absent from the World Cup in Russia, Pirlo has teamed up with Uber Eats to find a team to get behind - and judging by his comments, he might just plump for the Aussies.

“Football in Australia is growing,” he told foxsports.com.au.

“I know that my friend Alessandro Del Piero played there for a few years in Sydney. It’s a bit hard to follow, so I don’t know too much about the A-League."

He's more familiar with the national team. He faced the Socceroos playing for Italy in the Round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup. That day, the Italians edged Guus Hiddink's team 1-0 in injury time thanks to a contentious penalty decision, and went on to lift the trophy in Germany to claim their fourth title.

"I remember when we played against them in 2006 and it was really, really hard," he said. "Australian football is fast and physical."

Pirlo retired last year after a 22-year career at the top of the game, establishing a reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

And one Socceroo who is currently in Russia and operates in the same position that Pirlo did with such distinction has caught the eye.

"Yes, I know Aaron Mooy, I’ve seen him play in the Premier League," said Pirlo.

"He is a very good player, one of the best that Australia has at the moment, and I’m sure he will be one of the key players for Australia in the tournament alongside Tim Cahill, who despite his age can always make the difference."

Pirlo played 116 games for Italy and, most notably, represented Serie A giants Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, winning six league titles.

In 2015 there was talk of a move to the A-League - possibly, following in Del Piero's footsteps with a switch to Sydney FC - but he instead opted to see out his playing days with New York City FC in America's MLS.

Though a move to Australia never materialised, Pirlo suggested he would have enjoyed his time Down Under if it had.

“Australia is a beautiful country," said the 39-year-old.

"I’ve been twice and was lucky enough to visit Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. It’s a country that offers so much to its visitors and it would take months to see it all. It’s a fantastic place.”