Germany vs Italy: Mesut Ozil convinced past failings won"t hinder his country in Euro 2016 quarter-final

GERMANY VS ITALY LIVE - UEFA Euro 2016 Live Today Nouveau Stade de Bordeau - UEFA EURO Quarter-final

Arsenals Mesut Ozil has no concerns over Germanys historical travails against Italy as two of Euro 2016s top sides prepare to do battle in Bordeaux.

Germany have never beaten Italy in their eight competitive meetings and on four occasions it has been the Azzuri who have eliminated their opponents from major tournaments.

Ozil was in the side that fell 2-1 to a Mario Balotelli-inspired Italy in 2012, scoring a late penalty in a defeat that nearly cost Joachim Low, a World Cup-winning coach two years later, his job.

But Germany looked in formidable form the last time these two countries met in March, Ozil once more netting from the spot but this time in a commanding 4-1 win, though it came against a largely second-string Italian side that included several players who failed to make Antonio Contes squad.

And Ozil is more focused on Germanys recent success than their disappointing tournament record against Italian sides.

History says we have never beaten Italy at a major tournament and always failed this test, but as professionals we will try to win and aim to play in a different way, he said.

We proved we can do it in the friendly. Were concentrated on ourselves. We can beat anyone and we want to beat them.

Though Italy have been among Euro 2016s most impressive performers, defeating Belgium in their opening game and eliminating Spain in the round of 16, Conte has acknowledged they face their toughest test yet against a side he believes are the most complete team in the world.

It was a big compliment, Ozil said. We are aware of our strengths and play as a team whether defending or attacking. Whats important tomorrow is achieving what our coach asks us to do.

We have quality, but not just that. We also have experience and a good mixture of talented players who all have the same objective.

We knew from the start of the tournament that wed be facing strong sides, so we have the energy and belief to achieve certain objectives.

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Source: http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/euro2016/germany-vs-italy-mesut-ozil-convinced-past-failings-wont-hinder-his-country-in-euro-2016-a3286401.html