Germany manager Joachim Low insists his side do not fear Italy ahead of their quarter-final match on Saturday.
The 2014 World Cup winners were knocked out of the last European Championships in the semi-finals by the Italians, thanks to two goals from Mario Balotelli.
However, Low says his team is confident that his side will not allow past experience against the Azzurri to affect the result when they meet in Bordeaux.
“We have no Italy-trauma, even though we have never beat them in a tournament. That talk is cold coffee, we prefer a hot espresso,” said Low at his pre-match press conference.
“The Italians can also go forward. The outcome will depend on the form of the two teams on the day. No fear, but respect for Italy.”
Italy were not expected to get this far in the tournament, but were good enough to ease past reigning champions Spain on Monday thanks to goals from Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle.
Should they win, Germany will face either hosts France or Iceland in the semi finals of a tournament they have been tipped to win from the start.
Low’s men have scored six goals without conceding thus far, while averaging an enormous 62% possession.
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