Euro 2016: Germany Set To Clash With Italy

Euro 2016: Germany Set To Clash With Italy

A clash of the Titans beckons when the world champions and the Italian Team square off in the plum tie of the last eight on Saturday.

Germany have never beaten Italy in eight previous meetings at major tournaments, but advance to a 4-1 win in a friendly in March.


Italy are up by Monday's 2-0 win over defending champions Spain in the last 16.

Italy will be without the suspended Thiago Motta as Germany hunt revenge for their 2-1 semifinal defeat at Euro 2012 in Warsaw.

"We are playing against the best side in the Euros bar none and we will need a titanic effort on Saturday," said Italy coach Antonio Conte.

Joachim Loew has said Germany has no Italian complex despite their Azzurri curse in big tournaments.

"We don't have any fear of them, just trust in our own skills," said Germany's head coach.

"For me that's cold coffee. I'd rather have a fresh espresso. We'll see how it tastes on Saturday," he added when reminded of Germany's previous results against Italy on the big stage.

Loew has no injury worries, but Sami Khedira has a slight groin problem, while centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are carrying knocks.

 "It will be an unbelievably tight game," added Loew.