Intro:

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo talks about that quarter-final penalty against England and the threat posed by Germany - ahead of their Euro 2012 semi-final on Thursday.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Andrea Pirlo, Italy
"I decided to chip it just before the penalty. I think England played in a very careful way, they were sitting back for all the match like Chelsea did in the Champions League and I think that for them going to penalties was a good result."

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Andrea Pirlo, Italy
"I have watched all of Germany's matches in this tournament. I think they have more or less the same system of playing. They have changed some players since 2006, but the character and determination is always the same."

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Andrea Pirlo, Italy
"Of course our approach to the game will be the same because this is the only way we can play football. So we have to take advantage of our quality, of our technique. This is the only way we can face Germany. I think unlike England, Germany can create many threats to our defence. But if we came here to win the European title, we have to win this match."