Buffon: Hart can be world´s best

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says his England counterpart Joe Hart can become one of the best in the world.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash between the sides, the Italy captain lavished praise on the Manchester City number one, as well as Germany’s Manuel Neuer and national team-mate Salvatore Sirigu.

“Together with Neuer and Sirigu, he can become the best goalkeeper in the world,” the 34-year-old told reporters.

“The difference between a normal goalkeeper and a great goalkeeper is the attention to detail, not to commit mistakes during one season.”

He also picked out several English players he believes pose a threat to Italy’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

“Wayne Rooney has charisma and is a leader, dragging the team along with him, while John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole are all players who know how to win,” Buffon said.

Terry and Cole won the Champions League with Chelsea this season, and the Juventus man compared England’s playing style to that of the west London outfit.

“Chelsea have played well in defence against Barcelona and Bayern Munich,” Buffon said.

“Probably, Bayern and Barcelona are the stronger teams but Chelsea won the match. In this way, we can find similarities between England and Chelsea.”