Ex-Lazio striker Miroslav Klose feels Germany can win Euro 2016 if they get past Italy and Manuel Neuer “is better than Gigi Buffon.”
The quarter-final kicks off on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“I’ve been watching all of Italy and Germany’s games at the tournament,” Klose told RP-online.de.
Ex-Lazio striker Miroslav Klose feels Germany can win Euro 2016 if they get past Italy and Manuel Neuer “is better than Gigi Buffon.”
The quarter-final kicks off on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“I’ve been watching all of Italy and Germany’s games at the tournament,” Klose told RP-online.de.
“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow night and I’m happy to be watching it as a spectator. I was fortunate enough to experience certain games as a protagonists, but now I can view them with a different perspective.
“When I took the decision to retire from international duty, I was well aware of what I was doing. Besides, it’s not as if they are doing badly without me!”
Klose was asked whether Buffon or Neuer was the best goalkeeper in the world.
“Gigi is fascinating and can continue his career even longer, but I don’t think he’s better than Manuel. Neuer has everything, he’s the best in the world. Gigi is number two.”
Klose confirmed he has been in contact with players in both camps.
“They are all very concentrated and there’s a great deal of respect on both sides. I think the fear Germany have of Italy can turn into motivation. The Azzurri have many qualities.
“I don’t know who the favourites could be, but I’m very excited. So far both teams have impressed me in the Euros and I haven’t seen a stronger side than Italy and Germany.
“If we were to beat the Azzurri, we’d have a really good chance of lifting the trophy. France as a possible semi-finalist certainly aren’t easy, even if so far they’ve shown weakness in defence.”