Pirlo may be set for shock return in Australia

Avondale is waiting to hear from Andrea Pirlo's management as it chases the Italy great.

Andrea Pirlo had exceptional spells for both Juventus and AC Milan

Andrea Pirlo could be set for a shock playing return as Australian club Avondale chases the Italy great for a cup fixture.

Pirlo, 39, retired at the end of last year after a glittering career that included a World Cup title, six Serie A crowns with AC Milan and Juventus and two Champions League trophies.

But the superstar midfielder may be set for a return, with Victorian outfit Avondale looking to secure Pirlo for its FFA Cup quarterfinal against Sydney FC on September 19.

The club confirmed to Omnisport it was "waiting to hear from Pirlo's management".

Even if it lands Pirlo, Avondale will go into its meeting with A-League premier Sydney as a underdog.

Pirlo, who made 116 appearances for Italy, finished his career at New York City, where he spent two and a half seasons.

In 2015, another Victorian club, Heidelberg United, signed Greece great Kostas Katsouranis for its FFA Cup quarterfinal against Melbourne City, but suffered a 5-0 defeat.