Germany have reason to fear bogey-team Italy in Saturday's Euro 2016 quarterfinal, according to Italy defender Alessandro Florenzi.
Florenzi now believes all remaining teams in the competition are a little bit afraid of a side who have emerged as unlikely contenders for the European Championship trophy, with even coach Antonio Conte admitting there was a lack of young talent in the squad, prior to the tournament.
"I think everyone is a little scared of Italy right now," Florenzi told UEFA's official website. "We have proven to be a good team, one that never gives up."
Conte's side came out fighting in their opener against hotly tipped Belgium to win 2-0 to establish themselves as challengers for the title.
After knocking Spain out of the competition in their round-of-16 tie, Italy now face world champions Germany in Saturday's quarterfinal.
And it's not just that Germany have never beaten Italy in a major tournament that they have reason to fear the Azzurri, says Florenzi.
"We are happy that other teams fear us, because that means we have been playing well," he said.
"I hope we continue to do so and approach our next game just like we did in the round-of-16 game against Spain."
Florenzi did not, however, underplay the challenge ahead of his side.
He added: "If we put in 120 percent against Spain, we will have to give more to beat Germany."