Intro:

Italy are aiming to keep their unbeaten record against Germany intact when they meet at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Thursday in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

Script:

The bigger the opposition, the more Italy appear to rise to the occasion.

Incredibly, Germany haven't managed to beat the 'Azzurri' in their last seven meetings.

But Joachim Loew's side have all the recent stats on their side - winning their last 15 competitive games and the only side in the Euros to have won all their matches so far.

They've also got the benefit of an extra two days rest.

However Cesare Prandelli is very much looking forward to the match.

SOUNDBITE: (Italian), Cesare Prandelli:
 "Of course it will be great to take on Germany and of course we are convinced that we can actually play our own game. So we are very calm from this perspective and of course we are very keen to put into practice everything that we have been working on in training. It's going to be a very exciting game."

Daniele de Rossi is hoping to be fit for Thurday's game, after recovering from a back injury.

If able to play, his role will be to protect Italy's star player Andrea Pirlo.

SOUNDBITE: (Italian), Daniele de Rossi:
 "We don't have any specific plans for anyone - but of course, when there is a genius player in your side like Andrea (Pirlo), then I think the opposition is always going to keep a close eye on him. But in terms of whether I can benefit from this, we will see - but I think that in terms of Pirlo, we have got other players who can hurt Germany - even though Pirlo has been the most consistent."

Italy's semi-final against Germany kicks off on Thursday evening in Warsaw.