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1/19/2007 9:41:24 AM

Italians dominate UEFA's team of the year

Gianluca Zambrotta

Associated Press

1/19/2007 9:41:24 AM

NYON, Switzerland (AP) - Players from World Cup winner Italy and European champions FC Barcelona dominated the 2006 team of the year in an online poll on UEFA's website.

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year, was named to the all-star team Friday along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, selected for the third time, and defender Gianluca Zambrotta.

Zambrotta was also one of four players selected from Barcelona. Ronaldinho made the team for the third straight year, while defender Carles Puyol was also included for a third time and striker Samuel Eto'o made his second straight team. Barcelona's Frank Rijkaard was chosen as coach.

Arsenal, beaten by Barcelona in last year's Champions League final, is represented by five-time pick Thierry Henry and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off in the World Cup final for head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi, was not chosen despite finishing second to Cannavaro in the world player of the year award.

UEFA started its team of the year poll in 2001.

Team of 2006: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus); Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy, FC Barcelona), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy, Real Madrid), Carles Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona), Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich); Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal), Kaka (Brazil, AC Milan), Ronaldinho (Brazil, FC Barcelona); Thierry Henry (France, Arsenal), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon, FC Barcelona). Coach: Frank Rijkaard (FC Barcelona).