Lippi joy at Cannavaro award

Marcello Lippi feels Fabio Cannavaro's Ballon d'Or is a reward for the Italy team.

Marcello Lippi feels Fabio Cannavaro's coronation as European Footballer of the Year is a reward for the entire Italy national team.

Cannavaro was voted the 2006 winner of the Ballon d'Or on Monday after captaining Italy to World Cup success in July.

His international team-mate Gianluigi Buffon took second spot, with Arsenal striker Thierry Henry polling third.

Lippi, who coached the Azzurri to World Cup glory in Germany, was delighted to see his former charges honoured.

And he believes that the naming of Cannavaro as Europe's best is recognition for the exploits of the team as a whole.

"It's a fantastic award that crowns a sensational year," commented Lippi.

"And Cannavaro, as captain of a fantastic group, took it for everyone.

"I'm not surprised it has been won by a defender.

"Cannavaro first and Buffon second. It's a really big award for Italy.

"It's like Cannavaro would take it for the other guys who won the World Cup."