Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi believes Fabio Cannavaro deserved to pick up the Ballon D'Or.Lippi was delighted with the news the Azzurri captain and Real Madrid central defender had been named European Footballer of the Year on Monday, with Juvegoalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon runner-up.
"To have Cannavaro win the award and Buffon finish second is just the cherry on the cake in what has been an exceptional year for us," said Lippi. "It is as though Cannavaro has collected the award on behalf of all the players that won the World Cup."
Cannavaro became the first defender to win France Football magazine's prestigious award since Matthias Sammer in 1996, edging Buffon and Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, who came in third.
"I am not surprised that the award has been given to a defender," said Lippi. "The award is given to a player who has proved outstanding in a team, regardless of the role he plays."
Buffon was gracious in defeat for the prestigious accolade, which is voted for by a selection of European football journalists.
"Fabio has won because he was simply the best," he said. "He gave more superior performances than anyone else. I really didn't expect to get so close, although I did want to finish in the top three."
The Italy goalkeeper has not given up hope of taking home the award in the future. "I see no reason why this couldn't happen to me in the future," he added. "I will try, sooner or later it will happen."
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