Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi says Italy have the best defence in the world.

De Rossi believes the Italy defence is “the best in the world".

“The defence? I think it's the best in the world, along with Buffon," De Rossi told reporters in a Press conference.

“They're the most complementary players you'll find in international football, and they have the mindset to lead us players, even for those of us who already have that [mindset].

“My role? There's not much to say, I play my role to the best of my abilities. I'm neither [Andrea] Pirlo or [Andres] Iniesta, though I get man-marked for 90 minutes so maybe I get mistaken for someone else.

“I know I have tactical defensive qualities, I try to let as few balls as possible get through to a defence which we know can fend for itself."