Daniele de Rossi: 'Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo are monsters'

Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi has described Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as "monsters" ahead of the World Cup this summer.

De Rossi, who is part of the Italy squad for the tournament, has never faced the pair at a World Cup but is looking forward to the prospect in Brazil.

"I've never faced Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Maybe I will have the chance to take on these monsters this year!"

Messi and Ronaldo, who will represent Argentina and Portugal respectively this summer, are widely considered as the two best players in world football.