Daniele De Rossi: "Steven Gerrard is my idol"

Daniele De Rossi has spoken of his admiration for England captain Steven Gerrard.

The Italy midfielder will come up against his English counterpart on Sunday evening when their two nations meet in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

Looking ahead to his potential midfield battle with the Liverpool player, De Rossi conceded that Gerrard is a player that he has rated for many years.

"Steven Gerrard is my idol. He has been at the pinnacle for ten years," he told reporters. "You see Gerrard defending and attacking. I would like to be able to play more like that."

Gerrard has made three assists for his England teammates so far at the tournament.