Italy don’t just have the best defence at Euro 2016, but in the whole world, according to midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
The Azzurri are yet to concede a goal in France, with a masterful 2-0 counter-attacking win over Belgium followed by a last-gasp 1-0 win over Sweden in Group E.
Managed soon-to-be Chelsea coach Antonio Conte the defence, based around an all-Juve line up of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, has looked imperious so far.
“The defence? I think it’s the best in the world, along with Buffon,” De Rossi said, as reported by Football Italia.
“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.”
Buffon himself has only had to make three saves in the two games so far, with all three coming against Belgium.
His club team mates managed to keep Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet in the second game, meaning the veteran goalkeeper was only called into action once – to much a clearing punch.
Juventus’ defence, dubbed ‘BBC’ for Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, only conceded 20 goals in 38 Serie A matches last season and looks set to continue their remarkable run well into Euro 2016.
Eder’s late goal against Sweden meant Conte’s side have already qualified for the next round, and he promised to rotate his squad for their final Group E clash with the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday in Lille.
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