Kasper Hjulmand: 'Closing down Andrea Pirlo is almost impossible'

Nordsjaelland coach Kasper Hjulmand has admitted that keeping Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo in check is "an almost impossible task".

The Danish champions will host their Italian counterparts in a Champions League Group E game game on Tuesday.

"Juventus coach Antonio Conte has created a side with a superb team spirit," he said. "Everybody works extremely hard and knows exactly what to do. The team is the star.

"Andrea Pirlo is the key, though, as his distribution is second to none. He is a joy to watch – at least when you are not up against him.

"I am not the first coach to try to find a way to close Pirlo down. It is an almost impossible task."

Nordsjaelland have lost both their games in the group.