Italy defender Mattia De Sciglio expects a “harder, more difficult game” against Germany.
The Azzurri defeated Spain in the Last 16 of Euro 2016, but now face the world champions on Saturday, having lost 4-1 to them earlier this year.
“We’re trying to prepare in the best way, as we did against Spain,” De Sciglio said in a Press conference today.
Italy defender Mattia De Sciglio expects a “harder, more difficult game” against Germany.
The Azzurri defeated Spain in the Last 16 of Euro 2016, but now face the world champions on Saturday, having lost 4-1 to them earlier this year.
“We’re trying to prepare in the best way, as we did against Spain,” De Sciglio said in a Press conference today.
“It will definitely be a harder, more difficult game. They’re world champions. The strength of our group means we can cause them problems though, if we target their weaknesses.
“They attack with a lot of players, we have to show a lot of concentration when they get close to the edge of our box.
“We’ll have to be good and get going again immediately, but if we work well we can cause them problems.
“We’ve been doing a lot of video analysis to prepare for this game, to see how to press them depending on the situation, even when we’re in possession.
“On paper Germany have a great team, but it’s on the pitch that matters. They play differently to Spain, they’ve very good physically, but we can do well all the same.”
Germany have never beaten Italy in a competitive match, and De Sciglio was asked for his memories of the two most recent meetings: the Semi-Finals in the 2006 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.
“In 2006 I watched it at a friend’s house, I was 14 years old. I remember a very tight game, very hard-fought. I remember we almost destroyed the house celebrating when [Fabio] Grosso scored!
“In 2012 I was on holiday. We played a great game and we caused them problems. I was in Ibiza, and already the Germany players who are now starters were beginning their journey.
“[Playing against them] will be a great emotion, as it was with Spain in the Last 16. My first important match of this kind will be a cause of excitement and pride.
“So I’ll definitely do my best to help the team as much as possible.”
Daniele De Rossi is unlikely to be fit for the match and Thiago Motta is suspended, how much of a problem will that present?
“We feel ready, because we’re aware of our value and our quality,” De Sciglio replied.
“We are 23 worthy players, if we weren’t then [CT Antonio] Conte wouldn’t have called us. Sure, we have some absences in midfield, but we have a lot of good players ready to replace their teammates.
“We’re 23, not reserves and starters.”