BORDEAUX: World champions Germany must seize any opportunities they get against Italy in Saturday's Euro 2016 quarter-final as their foes' rock-like defence was unlikely to offer many chances, coach Joachim Loew said.

Germany did not under-estimate Italy, he added, even though going into the tournament, Antonio Conte's team were considered one of the least talented sides they had fielded for decades.

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"We have analysed Italy. They don't have only defensive quality but also in attack. That is what we have prepared our side for, we are aware of what we are going to confront tomorrow," Loew told a news conference on Friday.

On the Germans' minds, however, is their record of losing every tournament knockout game to Italy going back almost half a century, including a World Cup final and Euro 2012 semi-final.

"It is history that we have failed against Italy and we are aware of that," said midfielder Mesut Ozil. "But as a player you have to be professional to overcome that.

"We have the pedigree to beat any team and that's what we want to show tomorrow," he added.

"We have experienced players and young players. Everyone has this goal to be champions. You can feel this. The energy is super, we have positive thinking, we think we can reach our goals."