Patrick Vieira should have made a point of it in interviews this week specifically focusing on fouls by Lloyd Sam et al in the last game. Make it such an issue that there's no way the refs can turn a blind eye without looking inept. It's worked before in the NFL and NCAA where coaches have highlighted tactics by cornerbacks & offensive linemen and come gametime, the player is flagged every time it's even close.
I want to see a yellow if a RB player even breathes hard on Pirlo/Lamps/Iraola. And as awful as this may sound, I have a feeling RB is going to target Pirlo in light of his current emotional state because they'll figure he's the easiest right now to knock off his game. I want the refs to especially protect him from the abuse.
Pirlo is one of the most composed players that has every played the game. To think that his emotional state will compromise his gameplay or that the Red Bulls will be targeting him for fouls because of his emotional state is asinine.