Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, who was part of the side that lost 2-1 to Italy in the semifinals at Euro 2012, also rejected suggestions of any mental scars against the Azzurri.

"Why should I have an Italy trauma? Explain that to me," Kroos said. "I've only ever met them once at a tournament."

The Real Madrid man said he had been surprised by Italy's 2-0 win over Spain in the round of 16 -- "especially with the manner in which they beat them" -- but is confident of success.

"It's important to beat them so the tournament continues for us," he said. "Our record against Italy does not matter. We can't change that which is in the past.

"They will be our strongest opponents in this tournament until now, and I am excited about it.

"We know how the Italians play. They play with a three-man defence, which turns into a five-man defence when they defend. They are incredibly compact, and calmly build up the play from the back. They've been doing it for ages, and maybe that's why it was never that easy.