Germany coach Joachim Low is well aware of the threat Andrea Pirlo possesses, and admitted if Germany are to win their semi-final match against Italy, they will have to stop the Italian playmaker.
"Pirlo is an exceptional player, with good ideas," Low told reporters.
"He's the one who directs the game, so we have to stop him and get in his radius.
"We have to think of a way to play better than Italy in midfield and dictate the tempo of the match.
"We will not let Italy show us how to play. It's a confidence thing. We have to be cheeky; we have to be strong and brave.
"I know it will be very tight. We are well prepared, we know our strengths and we're in a position to get in the final by beating Italy.
Germany have had the luxury of an extra two days' rest compared to the Italians. However, Low dismissed any suggestions that the Italians would tire quicker. "In the quarterfinal against England, we saw Italy got stronger and stronger after 60-70 minutes and were dominant in extra-time," the 52-year-old said.
"I didn't see the Italians having any problems and they have had four days to recuperate. I think that's enough time.
"They won the game, so they have more energy and strength. But maybe we'll be able to play a high tempo and make them tired in the second-half. I would like that."
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said his side would attack against Germany and try to put their opponents on the back foot. "We only have one weapon," Prandelli said. "We've got to risk something and play our game. That's our only chance. We can't turn backward.
"Sincerely, when I close my eyes and dream I see fantastic things. I'm dreaming about a magical evening."
Italy midfielder Danielle de Rossi, who is struggling with a back problem, emphasised on the importance of his team sticking to their style of play. "I've got a bad back but I'm confident I can play," he said.
"We are going to have a late fitness test but, of course, I will do everything in my power to make sure I'm fit.
"We mustn't change what we've been doing for the last two years, that would be useless.
"We're born to play in a certain way; we've grown in this way. We probably won't dominate the ball like we did against England and Ireland because we're playing against a better team, and their results demonstrate that.
"It will be a great game, it will be open but we can't change our way of playing."
De Rossi also suggested Pirlo could be the difference-maker for his side. "We don't have any specific plans for individuals but of course when there is a genius in any side like Andrea, the opposition are always going to keep a closer eye on him."
