Germany goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke trusts Gigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer “are the two best goalkeepers” at Euro 2016.
The pair face off on Saturday’s quarter-final in Bordeaux.
“We have already played against the Italians so there shouldn’t be many surprises. The teams know each other very well,” said Köpke in a Press conference.
“They are both top goalkeepers, the two best at the tournament. They command their defence and are two important figures both on and off the pitch for their teams.
Germany goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke trusts Gigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer “are the two best goalkeepers” at Euro 2016.
The pair face off on Saturday’s quarter-final in Bordeaux.
“We have already played against the Italians so there shouldn’t be many surprises. The teams know each other very well,” said Köpke in a Press conference.
“They are both top goalkeepers, the two best at the tournament. They command their defence and are two important figures both on and off the pitch for their teams.
“I have to take my hat off to Gigi Buffon for the calmness he gives off and how important he is to his team. Manuel Neuer interprets the game differently, so it is hard to compare the two. I don’t really believe in ranking players.
“Manuel always wants to improve his game. There are always small things that you can improve. He is very self-critical at the end of a match.”
If this fixture goes to extra time and even penalties, then the goalkeepers will be key figures.
“We will be fully prepared in case of a possible penalty shootout. We have information on the players who could take penalties for them. However, we haven’t had a shootout since 2006 and would be happy if it continues to not be necessary.”
Germany have never beaten Italy in a major tournament, crashing out to the Azzurri in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2012.
“We definitely have a score to settle. We have enough players here who were there at Euro 2012, so we know what to expect and what is possible. We will have to be at our best, but we will be ready to rewrite history.”