Italy face Spain in the Euro 2016 last-16 in Paris on Sunday with Vicente del Bosque reportedly considering dropping De Gea, who endured an error-strewn performance against Croatia.
Although there have been some calls to reinstate Iker Casillas, however, it appears likely that Del Bosque will again put his faith in De Gea, who usurped the Spain captain as No. 1 after another fine season at Old Trafford saw him named the Red Devils’ Player of the Year for the third successive season.
Darmian knows De Gea’s qualities better than most and is expecting a tough challenge ahead for Italy’s strikers, though he is just as confident in the abilities of Italy captain Buffon.
“It’s great to play against David, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Darmian told Sport360. “Of course it will be difficult to score but we also have a great goalkeeper.
“They are two of the best goalkeepers in the world and yes, there are similarities between David and Gigi for sure. But I think that Gianluigi Buffon is the best goalkeeper of all time. For me as a defender I feel very lucky to play with them.”
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Darmian’s international team-mate Graziano Pelle scored twice against De Gea for Southampton in the 2015-16 season and insisted he is relishing the prospect of facing the Spaniard again.
“Against me he did a few good saves for Manchester United but also I have also scored a few goals against him. He is a good goalkeeper,” Pelle said to Sport360 after Italy’s defeat to Ireland.
“Now it is a different match but this is the life of a striker and a goalkeeper – I want to score, he wants to save. It is a battle and we will see who comes out on top.”
Both Pelle and Darmian were keen to stress that Italy’s unity holds the key to defeating reigning champions Spain, with the United full-back pleased that the Azzurri have managed to defy their detractors.
“Before we came here, a lot of people said bad things about Italy but we worked very hard together and didn’t listen to the critics,” Darmian said. “We are transmitting our hard work on the training pitch to our performances at the tournament.
“Now we are focused on Spain and we hope we will win. They are a very good team. They play good football and good possession. We have to be ready, try to close the space and score a goal. I think it will be a good game.”