Pirlo eyes Ballon d´Or top 10

Italy international and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he wants to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or this season.

The midfield maestro is considered an outside chance for football’s most prestigious individual award following his superb displays at Euro 2012, which helped Italy finish as runners-up to Spain.

The World Cup winner, who also played a key role in Juve’s title-winning campaign last season, admits Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the obvious choices but he would be happy to be close behind them.

“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 10,” Pirlo told reporters.

Following Juventus’ emphatic 3-0 victory over European champions Chelsea in the Champions League, Pirlo is now looking forward to his team’s clash with his former side, AC Milan, in Serie A on Sunday.

“We needed a win like the one against Chelsea. It gives us confidence having beaten the European champions. Our inner strength helped. We are a solid group and we work hard,” Pirlo said.

“(The Milan match) is a special game for Juventus. I hope to win it, though Milan are a strong team. When great teams meet there is never a problem with concentration.”