GERMANS WILL BEAT ITALY ON PRESENT FORM

Mesut Ozil

Germany should logically beat Italy in Thursday's Uefa Euro 2012™ semifinal in Warsaw based on present form said midfielder Mesut Ozil on Monday.

Italy confirmed their place in the Warsaw semifinal and set up one of European football's classic confrontations after the Azzurri beat England 4-2 on penalties in their quarterfinal on Sunday in Kiev.

"If we play to our potential, we will beat the Italians," said Real Madrid star Ozil.

"I believe that other nations have a lot of respect for us.

"We are here to win the European title and I am convinced we can do it."

Germany have a poor record against the Azzurri with 14 defeats, nine draws and seven victories in 30 meetings, but Joachim Loew's team are paying little regard to previous encounters ahead of the expected battle royal.

"Statistics don't interest us, we want to leave the past behind and write our own history," said goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke.

"Mental strength will play a huge role as every little mistake you make will be punished.

"They too have played an excellent European championship, even though they might not have been included on everyone's list of favourites.

"Self-confidence and nerves will be key, we will approach the game in as focused a manner as possible and try to make fewer mistakes."

Kopke said Italy have stepped away from their traditional defensive style and have played impressive attacking football.

"They have played much more free-flowing football and shown more daring here than they used to do," said the 50-year-old.

"Some of their names were not so well known, but one has certainly got acquainted with them at this tournament."

Ozil said one player Germany would be keeping an eye on is Manchester City's 21-year-old striker Mario Balotelli, who has attracted plenty of controversy in his career for both Inter Milan and the Premier League champions.

"Of course, you do read some negative comments in the media, but he vindicated himself (against England), he is very physical and has some good finishing," said Ozil.

"Italy are very strong, they are superbly organised, but if we play as we can, we will win."

For all their confidence, the Germans are keeping quiet about a potential final against Spain, who play Portugal in Wednesday's Donetsk semifinal, in what would be a repeat of the Euro 2008 showdown.

"The Spaniards are the reigning world and European champions, they don't have to prove themselves to anyone," said Ozil.

"They are in the semifinals and they are the big favourites for the title."