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Montella backs Donnarumma for Ballon d'Or

The Milan boss believes that the precocious goalkeeper has what it takes to emulate Lev Yashin and scoop the prestigious award

AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella believes Gianluigi Donnarumma has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or at some stage in his career.

The 17-year-old has developed into a key figure at San Siro since making his first-team debut last term and has already represented Italy at senior level despite his tender age.

No shot-stopper has won the Ballon d'Or since the legendary Lev Yashin in 1963, but Montella has backed Donnarumma to emulate the Russian if he makes the right choices.