Conte: I would give the Ballon d'Or to Pirlo

Dec 17, 2012 3:10:00 PM

The Bianconeri boss insists the Italy playmaker deserves to win the prestigious prize, despite the record-breaking exploits of leading candidate Lionel Messi

Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes Andrea Pirlo should be given the Ballon d'Or this year.

The 33-year-old put in an inspired performance in his side's 3-0 win over Atalanta on Sunday, scoring a stunning free-kick in the process, and his boss is under no illusions as to who should be crowned the best player in the world.

"Even if Messi had scored thousands of goals, I would give the Ballon d'Or to Pirlo," Conte told reporters after the match.

"Then, I would have the pleasure of being the coach of a Golden Ball [winner]. Maybe in the future I will."

Pirlo was at the heart of his side's ruthless performance at the weekend, with the victory moving them seven points clear at the top of Serie A after Inter's defeat to Lazio.

The former AC Milan midfielder was named on the 23-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or prize earlier this year, but missed out on a place in the top three nominations to Andres Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Inside Goal.Com

Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
Wanyama’s star continues to shine
This week, Wanyama bagged the prestigious SPL Young Player of the Year award adding on to his Celtic Young honor, which he bagged three weeks ago
The men behind up surge of four premiership clubs
Goal.com takes a critical look at four teams; City Stars, Thika Utd, KCB and Chemelil, teams that have shown tremendous degree of competition so far this season
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel