Germany forward Lukas Podolski has insisted that his side can end their poor run of results against Italy.
The two sides meet in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 on Thursday with the Germans having never beaten the Azzurri in seven previous tournament matches.
The last time the two met was in the last four of the 2006 World Cup, when the Italians snatched victory with two late goals in extra time.
However, Germany are huge favourites to progress to the final, and the Arsenal newcomer believes that now is the time for the hoodoo to end.
"It's the time to break that series," Podolski told Bild.
"Since 2006 we have improved enormously. Today we have a whole different philosophy and a different team. The Italians also know that.
"One thing is clear - we want to be in the final, so we have to beat the Italians. Therefore, this will hopefully be the end for Italy in this European Championship."
The winners of the match will face either Spain or Portugal in the final.
Matt Cotton
