EURO 2016: Italy v Germany 8pm
ITALY coach Antonio Conte admits even they began Euro 2016 with low expectations but progress made has given them the confidence to overcome every hurdle.
Victories over Belgium, one of the favourites, and Sweden put them into the knockout stage with a match to spare and even the late defeat to the Republic of Ireland failed to dent their spirits.
Having seen off defending champions Spain they now face world champions Germany - a repeat of the Euro 2012 semi-final which Italy won only to then be crushed 4-0 by the Spaniards.
"We started with very low expectations. We're showing we can overcome insurmountable obstacles," Conte, whose side lost 4-1 in a friendly against Joachim Low's side earlier this year, told his pre-match press conference.
"We've improved since the March friendly. It was a resounding defeat and it will motivate us to see if the gap has closed.
"Germany are the best team in the world but no-one is beaten at the start of a game.
"They can hurt you when they attack; they've quality, talent and a great team ethic. It's a potent mix.
"We've looked to find out how we can limit them and play the cards in our hand instead by knowing their strengths and weaknesses.
"We have to do something extraordinary: I tell the players that we live and train to play in matches that make you feel great."
Conte was non-committal on whether midfielder Daniele de Rossi, who was forced off in the win over Spain with a thigh injury, would be fit.
"De Rossi's in a passable condition but I won't say more. I'm confident in my decisions and in my potential substitutions."Germany coach Low accepts Saturday's quarter-final could well provide the eventual winner of the tournament, such is the quality on their side of the draw.
However, he will not allow that to cloud his players' thinking.
"Tomorrow's winner may be European champions - all teams that make it into the semi-finals have the goal to reach the final," he said.
"Both teams have the quality but the title is still far off.
"We have the next game to contest, then comes the semi-final, probably against the hosts, which is also no picnic.
"There is still a long way. The team that wins tomorrow is one of the favourites for the title."
Despite the familiarity of the two European super-powers, Low is taking nothing for granted and he has noticed an improvement in their opponents.
"We know the Italians and know that they grow together and can be better within the tournament," he said.
"The friendlies do not have such a big importance. What matters is what happens in the tournament and the Italians are strong, as we had been expecting.
"We are of course confident because we know our own strengths. The team is self-confident.
"The stronger the opponents are, the more you have to point and identify what makes your opponent strong.
"Italy have good solutions in the offence and defence. It is important to know a lot about your own game, but also about the opponent."
