Daniele De Rossi praises Andrea Pirlo impact

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has praised the impact of Andrea Pirlo on the national team.

Pirlo, 35, played a key role for the Azzurri on Saturday during their opening win over England at the World Cup.

De Rossi believes that the veteran playmaker deserves all of the respect that he has in the game.

"Pirlo has touched my soul because we played with each other for over 10 years," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He is an example and he deserves all the respect he deserves. He never complains and he does not dive."

Italy continue their World Cup campaign on Friday when they meet Costa Rica.