Marseille, June 30: Beating world champions Germany to a semi-final place at Euro 2016 will be like scaling Everest, but a united Italy are ready to strap on the crampons, says Alessandro Florenzi.
"We've already climbed some mountains here and now we're facing Everest," the Roma midfielder said Wednesday.
"But we're a team, and we are capable of achieving something great here."
Given little hope following their second successive first-round exit from the World Cup two years ago, the Azzurri have surprised their fans.
Antonio Conte's men upset predictions to win Group E after notably outclassing Belgium 2-0. They swept defending champions Spain aside on Monday to set up a last eight clash with Joachim Loew's world champions in Bordeaux.
On paper Germany have the edge in the vintage clash.
They are the only team in the quarter-finals not to have conceded a goal and, for many fans, the memory of their 7-1 semi-final humiliation of Brazil on their way to victory in the 2014 World Cup remains fresh.
Yet Die Mannschaft are chasing a first win over the Azzurri in a major tournament at the ninth attempt.
Two first-half Mario Balotelli goals ended Germany's hopes in the semi-finals of Euro 2012, where Italy were routed 4-0 by Spain in the final.
Despite a morale-bosting 3-0 last 16 win over Slovakia, Germany defender Mats Hummels said: "Italy is not Slovakia and we realise that we'll need to bring more to the table."
Germany's tabloid newspapers have called on Loew's men to redress the balance, but Torino striker Ciro Immobile is not impressed.
"We know Germany are strong and will be sure of themselves. But our victory over Spain has really lifted our confidence.
"We'll let the pitch do the talking."
If Italy appear transformed, it is in large part thanks to Chelsea-bound Conte. ?AFP