The Juventus midfielder has been in spectacular form over the last calendar year both for his club, unbeaten as they won Serie A, and his country as they reached the Euro 2012 final.

Del Bosque, whose Spain side have a number of leading candidates for the honour, told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Yes, Pirlo could well win the Ballon d’Or.

“He is a complete footballer, capable of creating the play and finishing it off. Admittedly, though, I hope the prize goes to a Spanish player.”