FIGC president Giancarlo Abete says Italy must react after seeing no Azzurri players nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or. In total only four players from Serie A made it on to the list. They include Inter trio Julio Cesar, Maicon and Samuel Eto'o together with Juventus playmaker Diego.

"If today there is a problem with our football it's in its centrality to the international reality," Abete said. "There isn't one Italian player among the first 30 players chosen by France Football and this makes us pause for reflection.

"Now there is a week of cup competitions and we hope to do well in view of our international reputation."

He added: "I'll stop by saying that the decision made isn't shared by everyone. In fact, I think a number of Italians could have been among the top 30.

"But I say that, for example, there are some French players on the list and at the moment France has to qualify for the World Cup through the Play-offs, while Italy has already qualified for South Africa 2010."