Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has described Italy counterpart Gianluigi Buffon as "a legend" ahead of their meeting at Euro 2012.

Buffon, who made his international debut at the age of 19, is expected to start against the defending champions in Gdansk in what is his 15th season with the national side.

"Gigi is a great person," said Casillas, according to Uefa.com. "He is a role model for all of us.

"He has celebrated big victories: he won the World Cup, he's won the Italian league various times, the Italian Cup and the Super Cup with his club, Juventus.

"For the whole football world, he is a legend."

Croatia take on the Republic of Ireland elsewhere in Group C.