Florenzi on Germany clash: A challenge we must rise to

Roma's Alessandro Florenzi has insisted Italy are ready to give everything as they prepare to face world champions Germany in the quarter-finals of the European Championship on Saturday.

Antonio Conte's side reached the last-eight thanks to a victory over Spain in the previous round, and Florenzi is expecting another tough test against Joachim Low's men.

It promises to be a tough game for the Azzurri - Thiago Motta is suspended, while fellow midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Candreva are doubts for the game - especially as they will play having had a day's less rest than their opponents.

Not that Florenzi is worried.

“Those who would use the absent players and a day’s less rest as excuses are losers,” Florenzi said. “We must take motivation from these things and put it out on the field.

"We know that together, all 23 of us can do something great. We face Everest but we know we have climbed an important summit before. If we take that knowledge with us, we can do something important.”

Florenzi has made three appearances so far in France, all as a starter, including that last-16 win over Spain.

“There are games that require no extra motivation, that speak for themselves," he added. "You could sense that during Italy-Spain and the desire all the players had to help the group. For Italy-Germany it will be the same.”

Germany are a very strong team, are you in awe of them?

"Personally not. The facts speak for themselves: they are world champions, have won many matches and are full of confidence. We are slowly winning game after game and trust we are getting better with each training session. We need to have faith in all the hard work we have put in up to now and use that for what will be a big challenge. We know it will not be easy but we want to produce a performance for everyone – for all the players’ hard work and for the many fans that will be there to support us."

What has Antonio Conte brought to this group?

“In two years Conte has brought all his technical and tactical expertise, and even the personality that he had even when he was a player. The players have worked hard to ensure we produce what the coach wants on the pitch. Sometimes we have done that well, sometimes not so well, but that is also down to the opposition. But it is definitely a good way of working and I am pleased to play, to get the ball and know even with your eyes closed that you can find a teammate in a certain position.”

How have you prepared for the match against Germany?

“The job started immediately after the match with Spain. We have prepared by watching videos, trying to find weaknesses in this Germany team – they don’t have many but were working on it and will try to exploit them. What matters is not words but what we do on the pitch.”

Is it fair to say at the moment you are supporting each other out there?

“When you see a goal for Italy, you often see one of the substitutes or even one of the coaches being the first to celebrate with the scorer. This shows we are all attached to the shirt. It is true, we could very well call all the players ‘fans’. We want to do well for this Italy squad and we want the supporters to follow us and cheer for us until the last minute.”

How did you find it on the right wing against Spain?

"I am comfortable on the right. With this role as the fifth in midfield I can help the quality players we have in midfield, and also help out in defence. That is the most important thing at the moment."

What do you think of the celebrations from the Wales players after England’s elimination against Iceland?

“Well, their rivalry is historic, like Avellino-Napoli or Lazio-Roma. If Avellino goes out of the cup, he [Napoli midfielder Lorenzo Insigne] are happy. If Lazio goes out of the cup then I am happy, and vice-versa. There is a place for celebration, in my opinion, but in the right way. I have always said that there is bragging with the derby, but it is one thing to say ‘we have won!’ and celebrate that, and another to bring a knife with you.

“Now England, unfortunately for them, are out but I hope they bounce back soon because they are a great team.”