De Rossi to be recognised for century of Italy appearances

De Rossi will receive a special presentation from UEFA, who decided in 2011 that in future they would recognise all international centurions. UEFA's award to De Rossi will consist of a commemorative cap and medal, reflecting his achievement.

The Roma midfielder, 33, passed the milestone against Croatia in November 2014, and now has 107 appearances for the Azzurri – with whom he won the World Cup in 2006.

In that time he has also scored 18 goals for his country – the second-highest scoring midfielder in national history beyond Adolfo Baloncieri (25), and 15th in the all-time standings.

He is both the most-capped and highest-scoring Giallorossi player in Azzurri history.

De Rossi made his international debut in September 2004 against Norway in Palermo, and has gone on to appear in three World Cups, three European Championships and two Confederations Cups.

At youth level he won the European Under-21 title in 2004, before subsequently helping the Italian squad to a bronze medal at the Olympic Games that summer in Athens.