Manchester United’s defender Matteo Darmian has said that Gianluigi Buffon is still better than his club team-mate David De Gea.
The Italian international said that he was fortunate to play with two of the world’s best goalkeepers, but when asked about which of the two was better, he gave a clear answer.
“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,” said Darmian.
“They are two of the best goalkeepers in the world and, yes, there are similarities between David and Gigi, 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,” he added.
Incidently both Buffon and Darmian sat out in Italy’s 1-0 defeat to Republic of Ireland, though Darmian did come-on as a second half substitute for the Azzurri’s.
Italy won their first two games without conceding a single goal, with both the players starting the matches.
Darmian is all set to face his club-mate David De Gea, as Italy face Spain in the Round of 16.
Spain also won their first two games, before losing to under-dogs Croatia 2-1, and ultimately finishing second in the group.
It was De Gea’s mistake that cost Spain the game, and it will be interesting to see how De Gea feels about Darmians comments.