Bayer Leverkusen director and ex-Roma star Rudi Völler tips Germany to beat Italy in the Euro 2016 quarter-final tomorrow.
It kicks off in Bordeaux on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Italy have surprised everyone, including the Italians,” Völler told Bild.
“There was very little euphoria at the beginning in the country, but if they are called into action in a major tournament, Italy are always there. That is Italy’s greatest strength. And now everyone believes in the Azzurri.
Bayer Leverkusen director and ex-Roma star Rudi Völler tips Germany to beat Italy in the Euro 2016 quarter-final tomorrow.
It kicks off in Bordeaux on Saturday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Italy have surprised everyone, including the Italians,” Völler told Bild.
“There was very little euphoria at the beginning in the country, but if they are called into action in a major tournament, Italy are always there. That is Italy’s greatest strength. And now everyone believes in the Azzurri.
“Germany require patience. Italy will be set out in a very defensive approach. Their 4-1 friendly defeat back in March will still be in their minds, but Italy are always dangerous with swift counter-attacks.”
The Germans have never beaten Italy at a major tournament, so can this be the time to break that curse?
“Even if they are our nemesis, we do not need to be afraid,” assured Völler, whose wife Sabrina is Italian.
“We are very strong right now and we are due a victory.”
So much about the Azzurri side is wrapped up in the BBC defence.
“The three-man defence of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, plus Gigi Buffon in goal, that’s almost half the Juventus squad.
“They played together under Antonio Conte at Juve and won everything. Naturally, having them here as a unit helps Conte. He’s a fine Coach not only tactically, but also in terms of motivation.
“Italy have impressed, but I said before the tournament that Germany were among the top four favourites and I haven’t changed that view.”