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HAND IT TO DIEGO

Diego Maradona Hand of God: Argentina legend lifts Italian Hall of Fame trophy at induction ceremony

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is honoured, too, as the good and the great of Italian soccer celebrate the nation's top stars

DIEGO MARADONA may be Argentinian but he dominated proceedings at his induction into the Italian Federation Hall of Fame.

The World Cup star, who shone for Napoli between 1984 and 1991, was at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence as the greats of the Italian game gathered for an epic awards night that was a big one for Claudio Ranieri, too.

Everyone wanted to meet Maradona including the great Paulo Maldini, who won 126 caps for Italy and faced Maradona many times with AC Milan.


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Defender Maldini, revered as one of the world's most respected national captains, insisted that Maradona pose for an Instagram snap.

Diego Maradona...inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame
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Diego Maradona...inducted into the Italian Hall of FameCredit: Reuters
Maradona and his never to be forgotten No 10 shirt
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Maradona and his famous No 10 Argentina shirtCredit: Getty Images

Elsewhere the 'hand of God' managed to hang on to his trophy and was happy to point the finger at his No 10 Argentina shirt that was also on display.

Maradona, whose infamous handball helped Argentina beat England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, addressed the prestigious audience that included other Italian legends in Giancarlo Antognoni and Marco Tardelli.

Not to be outdone, Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri was also inducted as Italian soccer hailed his achievement of winning last season's Premier League title.

He was also presented with a signature Foxes' shirt.

Nice one, Claudio...Leicesters Ranieri is honoured for winning the Premier
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Nice one, Claudio...Leicester's Ranieri is honoured for winning the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images
Ex-Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, Maradona, former Juventus striker Paolo Rossi, Brazilian ace Paulo Roberto Falco and Ranieri with their Hall of Fame awards
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Ex-Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, Maradona, former Juventus striker Paolo Rossi, Brazilian ace Paulo Roberto Falco and Ranieri with their Hall of Fame awardsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Ranieri's induction was the latest in a long line of awards since Leicester pulled off their shock success.

There could be more domestic awards in the offing for Ranieri as his unsung team are still going strong in the Champions League.

Leicester face Seville in the first round of the knockout stage in Spain on February 22 with the second leg at the King Power on March 14.

Also honoured by the Italian Hall of Fame were ex-Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, former Juventus striker Paolo Rossi, and Brazilian ace Paulo Roberto Falco.

 

 

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