This year's European Footballer of the Year award should go to Italy's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, according to France legend Michel Platini.
"They should give it to Buffon," Platini told the Spanish sports press.
The ex-Juventus midfielder, who won the award from 1983 to 1985, said "it's high time they gave it to another goalkeeper, because they haven't won it since (Lev) Yashin in 1963".
Buffon's shot-stopping and commanding displays earned him the World Cup's Lev Yashin award for best keeper of the tournament - named after the legendary Soviet goalie.
The Juventus No.1 was vital to Italy's campaign, pulling off a series of brilliant saves including one from a bullet header by France's Zinedine Zidane in the final.
If Buffon is not chosen in France Football's annual poll on November 28, Platini believes another of Italy's defensive heroes should get the nod, captain Fabio Cannavaro.
"I'd give the Golden Ball to an Italian this year. They won the World Cup and they deserve it," Platini said.
Italy only conceded one goal from open play during Germany 2006 - an own goal.
