Spain goalkeeper David De Gea is not on the same level as Italy's Gianluigi Buffon, according to Matteo Darmian.
Manchester United and Italy defender Darmian currently plays at club level with De Gea and at international level with Buffon. Darmian and Buffon will be part of the Italy squad who take on De Gea's Spain in the last 16 of the European Championship on Monday.
De Gea allowed the ball to squeeze past him in the closing stages of Spain's last group game against Croatia, leading to a 2-1 defeat and missing out on top spot, which meant they have to face Italy next. Head coach Vicente del Bosque refused to blame his goalkeeper for costing Spain top spot.
Looking ahead to the possibility of facing De Gea, Damian told Sport 360: "It's great to play against David, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Of course, it will be difficult to score, but we also have a great goalkeeper.
"They are two of the best goalkeepers in the world and, yes, there are similarities between David and Gigi [Buffon], for sure. But I think that Gianluigi Buffon is the best goalkeeper of all time. For me as a defender I feel very lucky to play with them."
The chance to face De Gea would not daunt Southampton and Italy striker Graziano Pelle either. Pelle scored twice against the Spain goalkeeper last season, during Southampton's 3-2 home defeat against Manchester United on Sep 20.
Pelle said: "Against me, he did a few good saves for Manchester United, but I have also scored a few goals against him. He is a good goalkeeper.
"Now, it is a different match, but this is the life of a striker and a goalkeeper -- I want to score, he wants to save. It is a battle and we will see who comes out on top."
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