Pirlo hoping to finish in Ballon d'Or top 10
Italy international and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed his desire to be finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or this season, Goal.com reported.
The midfield maestro is considered an outside chance for football's most prestigious individual award following his superb displays at Euro 2012, which helped the Azzurri finish as runners-up to Spain.
The World Cup winner, who also played a key role in the Bianconeri's title winning campaign last season, has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the obvious choices but that he will just be happy to be close behind them in the rankings.
"For many years Messi and Ronaldo will be the two best. After them there is Xavi, Andres Iniesta and others. I hope to be in the top ten," Pirlo told reporters.