ITALY coach Antonio Conte was full of praise for German counterpart Joachim Loew, but believes the Azzurri are ready to avenge a recent friendly thrashing to book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Two years on from crashing out of a second successive World Cup at the group stage, Italy are in contention to win their first European championships since 1968.
Yet, standing in their way are the world champions and “the most complete” squad of players Conte has ever seen.
The Chelsea-bound coach admits beating Low’s men four months after a 4-1 friendly humbling in Munich is the “ultimate test” of the Azzurri’s title-winning credentials.
However, he insists Italy are ready to face their destiny and “play to our strengths” in a bid to cause a second successive upset after shocking holders Spain 2-0 in Paris on Monday.
“I don’t know if the gap between us and Germany has closed, but that friendly taught us a lot of things about them,” Conte said ahead of the clash in Bordeaux.
“Since then they’ve gotten better, but so have we.
“They have talent and technique throughout their squad. They’re the world champions and the most complete national team out there in my opinion.
“And for that, I have to offer my compliments to their national team staff and their coach, Loew.
“It’s the ultimate test for us, especially given we were considered also-rans leading up to the tournament.
“We never imagined we would be sitting here, but we’re ready for it. We’ve worked hard on the pitch and just as hard trying to study Germany and their game.”
Germany also go into the quarter-final tie with some trepidation as they are facing their bogey team.
Die Mannschaft have never beaten Italy in eight previous encounters in a major competition, the last of which came in the semi-finals four years ago when Mario Balotelli’s double in Warsaw took Italy to the Euro 2012 final.
Germany boss Low said he won’t be fooled again — when it comes to Italy and major finals, he is taking nothing for granted ahead of their battle for a semi-final spot at Euro 2016.
“We’re going into this game feeling confident, but it won’t be easy. Italy don’t just have defensive qualities, their offensive game is strong too,” Loew told media ahead of the clash.
“We might have beat them in the friendly [in March] but I know the Italians. They recover well from friendly defeats and when it comes to big competitions they become really united.”
In a 10-year spell in charge of Germany, Loew has first-hand knowledge of the Azzurri at major finals. He was assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann when Italy beat Germany in the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup, while Loew was then boss for the Euro 2012 meeting between the sides.
Germany are aiming to emulate Spain by winning back-to-back major tournaments following their 2014 World Cup triumph, and midfielder Mezut Ozil believes his side’s world-class “pedigree” will be enough to shake the Italian monkey off their back, and carry them through to the semis.
“We’re well aware of our qualities,” said Ozil.
“The most important thing is to win tomorrow, achieve what the coach wants from us.
“In big tournaments it’s true we’ve failed when it comes to playing Italy. But we knew from the start we would come up against top opposition, and we’re convinced we can reach our goals.” Italy are set to be without two key midfielders in Daniele De Rossi, who has a thigh injury, and Antonio Candreva, who is nursing a hamstring problem.
But Loew, again, is preparing for a late surprise.
“I’ve heard about De Rossi, but we don’t really know if he’ll play,” he added. “The Italians are quite flexible when it comes to their teams. They like to keep secrets, so there might always be a surprise tomorrow.”
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