Germany defender Benedikt Höwedes admits to being “surprised” by Italy at Euro 2016.
Antonio Conte’s side were decried as the worst Azzurri squad ever to enter a major tournament, but will face Die Mannschaft on Saturday after knocking-out holders Spain.
“Tournaments always throw up one or two surprises, look at Iceland for example,” Höwedes told the DFB’s official website.
Germany defender Benedikt Höwedes admits to being “surprised” by Italy at Euro 2016.
Antonio Conte’s side were decried as the worst Azzurri squad ever to enter a major tournament, but will face Die Mannschaft on Saturday after knocking-out holders Spain.
“Tournaments always throw up one or two surprises, look at Iceland for example,” Höwedes told the DFB’s official website.
“They are having a phenomenal European Championship, no one would have predicted that. Italy are similarly surprising, just look at how they attacked against Spain.
“They never stopped running and constantly put their opposition under pressure. Our task is quite clear: We have a very important game that we need to win, against a very good opponent. We’re in a good position.
“Revenge for 2012? Not at all. That’s in the past, we can’t change that.”
Italy lost 4-1 to Germany in a friendly earlier this year, but Höwedes doesn’t expect that to have a bearing on Saturday’s game.
"We were in very good condition back then and the Italian’s were without a few important players. I wouldn’t place too much importance in it. Saturday’s match will be completely different.”