'Pirlo & Conte holding up the Juve name'

Juventus have released a statement congratulating Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte for appearing on the Ballon d’Or and Coach of the Year lists.

The Bianconeri midfielder is the only Serie A-based player to be in the 23-man shortlist, whilst the Coach is just one of 10 bosses up for the prestigious award.

“Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte hold up the name of Juventus, Italy and Serie A in the race for the Ballon d’Or,” a statement on their official website read.

“Pirlo is the only man in our League, as well as the only Italian to have been included in the list of 23, whilst Conte is amongst some of the best names for the Coach of the Year.”

A ceremony in January 2014 in Zurich will announce the winners’ of the awards.