De Rossi: Gerrard is my idol
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi admits he will be facing his idol when his country competes against England for a place in the Euro 2012 semi-finals on Sunday.
The 28-year-old was called the 'complete player' by manager Cesare Prandelli following Italy's Group C win over the Republic of Ireland.
However, De Rossi claims Steven Gerrard is far more worthy of such a tag.
The Roma man, who has 75 caps, said: "He told me how well I had performed and that I was the complete player.
"But he was wrong. That accolade goes to Steven Gerrard.
"Gerrard has been my idol for 10 years and is one of the best players in the world. He is the example of what all midfield players aspire to.
"He is always there in the heat of the battle, leading by example.
"He is everywhere you look - in defence, in the middle of the pitch and in attack.
"I would love to be close to that level."