Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has hailed Steven Gerrard as his 'idol' as he prepares to go toe to toe with the England captain in the European Championship quarter-finals.

De Rossi revealed he dreamt of playing more like Gerrard, who has shone for the Three Lions during Euro 2012.

Roma vice-captain De Rossi started the tournament in a three-man defence for Italy but reverted to his favoured midfield position in Monday's decisive Group C win over Republic of Ireland.

Captain marvel: Steven Gerrard greets England fans at the team's hotel in Krakow on Wednesday

The 28-year-old admitted he preferred an anchor role and revealed he would attempt to model his game on that of Gerrard.

He said: 'Steven Gerrard has always been my idol. Since 10 years ago, he is among the best in the world.

'You see Gerrard defending and attacking here and there. I would like to be able to play more like that.'

De Rossi, who admitted he had yet to see England at Euro 2012, also described Gerrard as their 'symbol'.

He added: 'They have other very good players playing on the flanks and it's a really compact team.

'They have a manager who has been managing in Italy as well, so they know how to play defensively and in attack.'

Indeed, De Rossi described England as a very 'Italian' team, with former Inter Milan boss Roy Hodgson having succeeded Fabio Capello as manager.

The midfielder expressed sympathy over former mentor Capello's controversial departure just four months out from Euro 2012.

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