Tuesday 28 June 2016 13:26, UK
Joachim Low has insisted Germany do not fear Italy after the Azzurri knocked out holders Spain to secure a Euro 2016 quarter-final showdown with the world champions.
Germany have never beaten Italy in a major tournament, losing in World Cup and Euro knockout rounds, including in the 1970 World Cup last four, the 1982 World Cup final, a 2006 World Cup semi-final and a Euro 2012 semi-final.
Four years ago in Warsaw Mario Balotelli scored twice to upset tournament favourites Germany but Low dismissed their dismal record against the Azzurri and said it is not a source of "trauma" for his side ahead of Saturday's clash in Bordeux.
"We have never beaten them in a tournament but we have no Italy trauma," Low said. "I do not rate the past too much."
"They are now a different team. That's all cold coffee. A fresh espresso is better and I hope it tastes better on Saturday," he said, taking a sip from his own coffee.
Italy advanced to the last eight with a 2-0 victory over Spain on Monday, but their victory came at a cost after Daniele De Rossi picked up an injury and fellow midfielder Thiago Motta a suspension.
Low, who led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, said his players, who beat Italy 4-1 in a friendly in March, would be fully fit and rested when they faced the Italians in Bordeaux.
"We don't fear them. We know what we can do and if we do it then we have a good chance to win it," said the coach.
Germany went through to the last eight with a comfortable 3-0 win over Slovakia but Low said not too much should be read into that victory.
"I think emotions from the outside are running pretty high. We were almost written off after our 0-0 [group match] against Poland. Then we win 3-0 and everything is great. Okay, we did it well... but with all due respect for our opponents, I don't think that this victory was the measure for winning the tournament.
"What we need now is humility and modesty. Let's keep the bar low, the ball on the ground. I have a good feeling for the weekend but we need to improve. What we have been playing is not enough to win this tournament; we have to get better."
