Germany came into the tournament, as reigning World Champs and, while Italy, despite their pedigree were seen as outsiders -- but they are both in the last eight and seeking to move on.
Die Manschaft, three-time winners of the ever are the only team who have not conceded a goal the tournament so far, and beat Slovakis 3-nil in the round of 16 to get to this stage. Germany are participating in their 12th successive Euro since missing out on the final tournament as West Germany in 1968, but Joechim Loew's side know if they want to add a continental crown to their world cup trophy they must be focused against a determined Italian side.
It is a continental heavyweight battle as Italy take on Germany with a spot of semi-finals up for grab.
"This week we have analyzed Italy and we've seen their games. They don't have just defensive qualities, but also very good attacking options. This will be a different attack, compared to the teams we have faced so far. This side has great quality, of course they know how to defend, and that's what we prepared our side for," said Joachim Loew, Germany coach.
Italy are kind of a surprise to be here, as critics back home were saying this was the worst national in years. Coach Antonio Conte silenced the critics with arguably the best two displays of any team so far - 2-0 wins over highly fancied rivals Belgium and then toppling two-time defending champions Spain.
Italy's chances of continuing their impressive streak in this fixture are being undermined by a midfield crisis. Already without Claudio Marchisio, Marco Verratti and Riccardo Montolivo because of pre-tournament injuries Conte is without the suspended Thiago Motta and Antonio Candreva, while Daniele De Rossi is a doubt.
it is a continental heavyweight battle as Italy take on Germany with a spot of semi-finals up for grab.
"Daniele is in good shape, we can't say anymore. But we know that you have to be at 120-percent for these kind of matches, they're extremely physical, where you need to feel not nearly good, you need to feel perfect to compete. I have real confidence in the whole group, like I always said. I have no problems about my selection and about my eventual substitutions," said Antonio Conte, Italy coach.
