Joachim Löw feels Germany are well-prepared for Italy and “whoever wins tomorrow is the favourite to lift the trophy” at Euro 2016.
The quarter-final kicks off in Bordeaux on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) and Germany have so far never beaten the Azzurri in a major tournament.
“Over the last few days we analysed Italy, watched their games and realised they are not just about defence, but have many situations in attack too,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Joachim Löw feels Germany are well-prepared for Italy and “whoever wins tomorrow is the favourite to lift the trophy” at Euro 2016.
The quarter-final kicks off in Bordeaux on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) and Germany have so far never beaten the Azzurri in a major tournament.
“Over the last few days we analysed Italy, watched their games and realised they are not just about defence, but have many situations in attack too,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Therefore their attack will be very similar to those we already faced. They know how to defend, but we prepared our team, analysing some statistics, and I think we’re fully aware of what we’re facing.
“We must find balance both up front and at the back, so we need to create chances, but not make mistakes. We have to be clinical, because we won’t have as many chances to score as we did against Northern Ireland.
“There is calm and the players are very concentrated. We are aware that every game now could be the last in this tournament, so the tension rises. The team trained well and is focused, but also relaxed. It’s an issue of balance.”
When these teams faced off in a March friendly, Germany ran out 4-1 winners. What has changed since then?
“I did think even then that Italy could do well at this tournament, because we know well how resilient they are. Their unity and focus grows as a tournament goes on.
“They have many Juventus players there too… Friendlies are not decisive, as we’ve seen in the past. All the details become important now and we know what our ideas are going forward and defending. There are systematic movements we worked on a great deal.
“Now it’s up to the players. We are confident, because there’s a lot of belief within the group.”
Italy’s midfield is up in the air, as Thiago Motta is suspended and Daniele De Rossi carrying an injury, so Stefano Sturaro could start.
“I think that Antonio Conte’s voice is even stronger than the interpreter on the pitch. I don’t know if De Rossi will start tomorrow, as Italy are very flexible on their starting XI and you must always expect surprises from them.
“The principle objective is to win the tournament and everyone has quality. I believe whoever wins tomorrow is the favourite to lift the trophy.”