<p>Richard Hughes was learning plenty in the most famous youth academy in Italy, at Atalanta. Coach Cesare Prandelli gave him his debut for the senior youth team against Brescia. And in Brescia's ranks was one of Italy's greatest future players, Andrea Pirlo. That was challenge enough, but Richard was to play out of position, at Centre Back. The prospect was, in his words, a nightmare. </p>

Richard Hughes was learning plenty in the most famous youth academy in Italy, at Atalanta. Coach Cesare Prandelli gave him his debut for the senior youth team against Brescia. And in Brescia's ranks was one of Italy's greatest future players, Andrea Pirlo. That was challenge enough, but Richard was to play out of position, at Centre Back. The prospect was, in his words, a nightmare.

Episode 9: Andrea Pirlo and the debut from Hell

<p>The Match is a weekly podcast in which broadcaster Dave Farrar talks to someone that he knows about a football match that had a huge impact on their lives, one that has stayed in the memory. There are ex players, managers, and people around football, all of whom have new and amazing stories to tell. Funny and sad, reflective and instructive. Because 90 minutes can last a lifetime.</p>

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The Match is a weekly podcast in which broadcaster Dave Farrar talks to someone that he knows about a football match that had a huge impact on their lives, one that has stayed in the memory. There are ex players, managers, and people around football, all of whom have new and amazing stories to tell. Funny and sad, reflective and instructive. Because 90 minutes can last a lifetime.

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Episode 9: Andrea Pirlo and the debut from Hell

Episode 9: Andrea Pirlo and the debut from Hell