Italy's Andrea Pirlo thrilled to play at Maracana

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed that it will be a "dream" to face Mexico at the Maracana in the Confederations Cup.

The 34-year-old is expected to win his 100th cap for the Azzurri when they get their campaign underway on Sunday night.

"To get onto the Maracana pitch is the dream of every child," Goal.com quotes Pirlo as saying.

"I will have the chance to play my 100th game with Italy here. I'm so happy."

Pirlo, who won the World Cup in 2006, is due to become the first Italian midfielder to win a century of caps for his country.