Claudio Marchisio's family are proud the Juventus midfielder has earned nomination for the Ballon d'Or. Marchisio is among the 53 players in the running for the FIFA award after his performances in a Scudetto-winning campaign and Euro 2012.

"Seeing him in that list with Lionel Messi and co is an incredible feeling," father Stefano Marchisio told Tuttosport.

"I am almost more proud than he is. It is to be considered further recognition for all his hard work and sacrifices.

"I'll be honest, when my son joined the Juventus youth academy, I didn't expect all this. Unlike many parents who get into fights with the Coaches, I thought Juve would simply be a great experience and a way of growing up.

"As a child he would always go to bed at 9.30pm the day before a game, which was very tough for him to do. Now what weighs on him more is staying away from his family due to all the long journeys.

"Now that he is in the Ballon d'Or list, I'd love him to finish in the top 10. It would mean he is continuing to win with Juve and with Italy.

"Messi remains the greatest, then Andrea Pirlo, who was stunning last year on top of a fantastic career.

"Claudio is someone who can score 10-15 goals per season. If he played for Barcelona, he'd reach 15 comfortably, so I think he now ought to improve his consistency in front of goal.

"I would love to see my son in Bianconero for his whole life, just as he desires," added Marchisio Senior.

"If one day Juve did decide to sell him, then I imagine he would only go to play abroad. I hope that doesn't happen..."