Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca has surprised with his choices of today's best shot-stoppers.

Pagliuca admits he's a fan of Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and also Monza's Michele Di Gregorio.

He told Tuttosport: “The best in the world is Dibu Martinez, he is strong in everything and has no weaknesses. He commands the defence well, has a great character and doesn't suffer from pressure like shown at the World Cup.

“And then between the posts he is explosive, it becomes very difficult for someone to score goals against someone like that.

“In Serie A I choose Di Gregorio. He is less publicized than many others, but he is playing an amazing season. Michele is a very serious boy and has been doing very well for some years. Monza have done well for believing in him and aiming for him, when no one did.

“He can follow the same path as Vicario. I know Falcone from Lecce well. When he played for Cosenza, I reported him to Bologna, then Samp fired high and there was nothing to be done. I had spotted him in unsuspecting times.

“Now he has grown a lot, becoming one of the best in terms of performance. He and Di Gregorio are ready for a big team. I'm not crazy about Rui Patricio. He never makes the big save but limits himself to the task. Roma could find a better one."