'A tough nut to crack', Germany's Völler's warns ahead of Italy date

"Despite all the optimism, we naturally want to progress, we realise that, like Inter Milan, the Italian national team is difficult to play against," Völler said on Monday in Dortmund.

"They don't allow a lot, are compact, have an outstanding coach in Luciano Spalletti who prepares the team well since taking over. A tough nut to crack."

The former Germany striker and coach was speaking upon his arrival at the team quarters for the matches on Thursday in Milan and Sunday in Dortmund. The winner will host the Final Four mini tournament in June.

Völler, 61, knows Italian football well, having played at Roma 1987-1992 and considering himself as "a half Roman."

Germany's record against Italy in big event knock-out ties is not good, their only success coming on penalties on the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

Italy beat Germany in the 1982 World Cup final as well as semi-finals at the World Cup in 1970 and 2006, and at Euro 2012.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann's 23-player squad is without the injured Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Marc-André ter Stegen, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Benjamin Henrichs.

But Völler will not see this as an excuse, saying: "of course it hurts but injuries happen in this phase of the leagues and Champions League, other federations have this as well.

"We have to absorb it and we will absorb it. We will still deliver two good games," Völler said.