Germany boss Joachim Low has called on his side to be 'cheeky, strong and brave' against Italy on Thursday.
Germany boss wants his side to dictate semi-final rhythm
Germany boss Joachim Low has called on his side to be 'cheeky, strong and brave' against Italy and secure a place in the Euro 2012 final.
Despite being overwhelming favourites to beat Italy to set up a repeat of the 2008 final in Kiev on Sunday, Germany must overcome the weight of history.
In seven competitive meetings between the two countries, they have yet to come out on top but Low wants his emerging crop of players to impose themselves at Warsaw's National Stadium on Thursday.
"We will bring our strengths to the game," he said.
"We will try to dictate our rhythm and won't let Italy show us how we have to play.
"It's a confidence thing. We have to be cheeky, strong and brave.
"We have to concentrate and work very hard.
"I don't think we have to worry too much about our opponents. We have to impose our own ideas."
Disturb Pirlo
Germany will not want to let Andrea Pirlo have the type of space he was offered by England in the quarter-final.
Low may be a big admirer of the Juventus midfielder but he intends Germany to take the initiative from him.
"Pirlo is not just a very good player, but the player who dictates the tactics and gives the team their ideas," said Low.
"He's the Italian player who directs the game.
"We have to disturb him, stop him playing, get in his way, and think of a way how we can do better than Italy in midfield."
Respect
Influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has recovered from an ankle injury to play on Thursday, respects the threat posed by Italy.
He said: "Respect is there. Respect for what they've done in the last two years and, given the scandals in their league, their national team is really positive.
"If you don't have any respect you're dumb.
"Italy are a great nation, have won a lot in the past and have made a big step forward in the last two years.
"The point has come now, though, where we can beat the next big opponent.
"We've beaten Argentina, Brazil, England and Holland. The next one, we hope, will be the Italians
