Finally a deserving Italian player gets the Golden Ball but it is a sad day for players like Gaetano Scirea, Franco Baresi and esp. Paolo Maldini for being denied what was rightfully theirs back in the day:
case in point: In 94 Maldini won the Scudetto, Champions League title from a supposedly unbeatable Barca with Stoichkov (ball winner), Hagi and Romario minus Baresi and Costacurta in defense. Maldini then captained the National team to the finals minus Baresi and minus an offense losing in Shoot-outs and the Golden Ball was given to Stoickhov.
FORZA ITALIA
FORZA CANNAVARO
BLATTER AND PLATINI...ROT IN HELL