Talk about Italy's incredible record against Germany at this level is unavoidable, though both Joachim Löw and Antonio Conte are focused on the here and now ahead of their quarter-final.

Italy have never lost to Germany/West Germany in eight competitive meetings

Daniele De Rossi a big injury doubt for Italy; Germany are at full strength

Antonio Conte calls for another "extraordinary" display; Joachim Löw confident but cautious

Eleven Italy players a booking from a ban, including Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini

The winners meet either France or Iceland in the Marseille semi-final on 7 July

Possible line-ups

Germany : Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Höwedes; Kroos, Khedira; Müller, Özil, Draxler; Gomez.

Out: none

Doubtful: none

Misses next match if booked: Boateng, Hummels, Khedira, Kimmich, Özil

Italy : Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Sturaro, Parolo, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pellè, Éder.

Out: Candreva (adductor), Thiago Motta (suspended)

Doubtful: De Rossi (thigh)

Misses next match if booked: Barzagli, Bonucci, Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi, De Sciglio, Éder, Insigne, Pellè, Sirigu, Zaza

What they said:

Joachim Löw, Germany coach

This week we have analysed Italy and seen their other games – they don't just have defensive qualities but also good attacking solutions. Of course they know how to defend and we've prepared for that and analysed a few other things. I think we're well prepared. It's about a balance in between defence and attack – you must create chances, but you must take them because against Italy you may not have as many as against Northern Ireland.

The winner could of course become champions. All the sides that make it this far have that goal; both Germany and Italy have that quality, but there's still a long way to go. Maybe we'll have a semi-final against the hosts, but it won't be easy for them either. There's still a long way to go, but of course the winners tomorrow may then be favourites for the title.

We're confident because we're aware of our strengths. But it's about the opposition as well – the stronger they are, the more we have to address their strengths. I'm not sure if De Rossi will play. Italy are very flexible in their line-up and with them there can always be a surprise in their team. I consider him a very important player for them, but in the end the Italians always have a solution.

Antonio Conte, Italy coach

We're playing a very strong squad from every perspective. They're a better side than Spain and reigning world champions. I think Germany are the most complete side in the world at the moment. They have a lot of strong players. They have a side with strong principles and organisation – my compliments to their coach and their players.

In the last few days we've tried to study the opposition because it's going to be a very different game to the Spain one. We've tried to identify areas where we can hurt Germany. We have a great deal of respect for them, but we'll try to play our hand and play to our strengths.

Italy versus Germany is a knockout match, a quarter-final, and a great match for us. If I were to go back in time a month ago it wouldn't have been a contest because of the respective sides, but now we're here after beating Spain. We'll need to perform well to overturn the odds, but we've worked hard. No one starts as a beaten side. If we do win tomorrow, it will be extremely well earned.

We're not going to speculate on the condition of Daniele De Rossi but we should say that players must be fully fit for these very intense matches. I'm very confident in the overal quality of my squad.

EURO2016.com team reporters:

Steffen Potter, Germany (@UEFAcomSteffenP )

It's likely that Löw will stick with a back four despite using three in defence in March's 4-1 friendly win against the Azzurri, albeit with perhaps more defensive solidity in the form of Benedikt Höwedes. Germany's players and staff have repeatedly said there is no Italy hoodoo – now they have the duty to prove it. The ingredients for a historic victory are all there: the Mannschaft have got better over the course of the tournament – Who would have thought?

(#Turniermannschaft) – they are the world champions and they are probably going to dominate possession. As their first massive test in this tournament, it will be interesting to see if they are up for it.

Italy and Germany: a one-way love affair

Five great EURO quarter-finals

Ben Gladwell, Italy ( @UEFAcomBenG)

Italy's unbeaten record against Germany in major tournaments will give Conte's men even more confidence for this quarter-final. Although the past has no direct bearing on the present, it is a psychological fillip for an Azzurri side whose foundations at UEFA EURO 2016 have been based on a strong mentality. Italy have respect for this Germany team but no fear, and are confident of adding the scalp of the world champions to that of the deposed European champions.

Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)

Germany: WWDWWLWLLW

Italy: WLWWWWLDDL

Did you know?

Germany goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke saved a penalty when the teams met in the EURO '96 group stage, a 0-0 draw eliminating Italy. Read more in our extensive match background .
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Let's see who takes the day