Iker Casillas heaps praise on Juventus legends ahead of Tuesday's match

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has heaped praise on Juventus legends Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final in Turin.

Casillas said Buffon is “a reference for a generation” and believes Pirlo in a “marvel to watch”.

Despite their age, both players have played pivotal roles in helping Juventus win their fourth consecutive Serie A title and advance to the Coppa Italia final against Lazio.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, Casillas professed his admiration for his counterpart in goal, as well as his reverence for Juventus’ midfielder magician.

“What do you want me to say about Buffon?” Casillas said. “He was a reference for my generation and remains so for the next.

“For people like me, who dreamed of being a goalkeeper, he represented a huge shop window that we could come to and be seen next to him.

“Pirlo is always fantastic with the ball. He’s a marvel to watch, a champion of everything. He has so much quality. He always entertains the fans who watch him.”

When asked if he expected the two legs against Juventus to be similar in ferocity as their quarter-final encounters against Atletico Madrid, Casillas refused to compare the two sides style of play.

“I don’t think the games will be similar to ones with Atletico Madrid,” the Real Madrid captain responded.

“Juve in the Champions League and the decisive matches in Italy have always gone out to impose themselves.

“Then, of course, it’s a semi-final and we’re all on the pitch playing for a result. I see few goals and a lot of tension.”

Programming note: Juventus vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Tuesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.