Buffon is a living Legend- De Gea

Two of Europe’s best goalkeepers will do battle on Monday with David de Gea and Gianluigi Buffon expected to lead La Roja and the Azzurri respectively.

Gianluigi Buffon is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, according to David De Gea ahead of Spain and Italy’s meeting in the last-16 on Monday.

The 38-year-old will earn his 160th cap for the Azzurri at the Stade de France, and the La Roja goalkeeper hopes to emulate the Juventus player’s longevity and success.

“I have been following him for a long time, he is a living legend,” the 25-year-old told UEFA.com.

“He continues to demonstrate that after so many years of being an elite player, and he is one of my idols.”

De Gea also spoke about his team’s chances of winning a record third-straight European Championship.

“Making history again would be incredible but we know it’s very difficult, there are many good teams,” he explained.

“We are full of hope, we are a tight unit and are very determined.”

The Manchester United goalkeeper was criticized for his positioning during Ivan Perisic’s game-winning goal on Tuesday, but is still expected to start ahead of Iker Casillas against the Italians.