Marco Verratti singled out Manchester City's Raheem Sterling for plaudits ahead of England's meeting with Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley this Sunday.
England overcame Denmark after extra-time in part thanks to a controversial penalty decision, while a tired-looking Italy defeated Spain on penalties in the semi-finals.
Sterling has three goals and an assist to his name for the Three Lions in this tournament, while Verratti has provided two assists for the Azzurri after missing the opening two fixtures of the European Championship against Turkey and Switzerland.
Both men will play a key role in their respective side's quest for glory as the two nations meet for the first time in international competition since the 2014 World Cup — a game in which both players featured as England lost 2-1.
The Italian midfielder was full of praise for the City player ahead of the final, although he did say that the penalty set up by the winger against Denmark was "generous".
"He’s fantastic," Verratti told the media on Thursday. "He proves this every year and is doing this with England. I think he’s a great player."
On England in general, the PSG maestro added: "We will face a very tough team who will be at home and know the stadium well. It’s a dream to win this European Championship and the supporters will be important.
"But we are all professionals and know how it is to play in fan-packed stadiums. It will drive us as well."
Excluding the Tournoi de France in 1997, England have not beaten Italy in competitive action since a 2-0 home win during the qualification stage for the 1978 Fifa World Cup.
