Rome: Italy didn't cast a vote for the Ballon d'Or, reportedly in protest of captain Gianluigi Buffon not being nominated for the award given to the world's footballer of the year.


Gianluigi Buffon. Pic/AFP

Barcelona star Lionel Messi was awarded the prize at a ceremony in Zurich on Monday, but there was controversy earlier this year after Juventus' iconic goalkeeper was left off the shortlist.