Italy pay tribute to conqueror Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is set to be presented with a coveted managerial award, normally reserved for his Italian counterparts.

After leading his country at Euro 2012, where they beat Italy 4-0 in the final, Del Bosque is set to pick up the Premio Nils Liedholm award, which is normally presented ‘to recognise the best of Italian football’.

In a break from tradition, Del Bosque will be the next recipient, dependent on the Spanish Football Federation giving it the go-ahead, with many Italian coaches believing the talented Spaniard deserves recognition.

A former Real Madrid player and coach, Del Bosque has led Spain to unparalleled success in recent years, winning the World Cup in 2010 and retaining the European title, which they won under Luis Aragones in 2008, this year.

The Nils Liedholm award, won last year by Carlo Ancelotti, is named in honour of the Swedish footballer of the same name, who was affectionately known as ‘The Baron’ in Italy.

Liedholm represented his country, notably at the 1958 World Cup, and a host of Italian sides, including AC Milan, during a glittering playing career.

In addition to the Liedholm award, Del Bosque is tipped to win other accolades in the coming months and is the favourite to be named FIFA and UEFA’s ‘Coach of the Year’.