The difference though is that Mata's stubble makes him look better while Pirlo's beard makes him look worse.
De gustibus... :beer2:
I think Pirlo's beard makes him look better because, firstly, I like good full thick beards, and also because it's got a good even natural shape, and it draw attention away from those old botox-looking cheeks.
And I think Mata's stubble makes him look bad because it's not a beard-appropriate color, would probably look better if grown longer, not the most flattering shape, uneven and just doesn't work well with his face.