Hummels: Germany can't let Italy take the lead
Mats Hummels has warned his Germany teammates that they can't let Italy score the first goal if they want to win Saturday's Euro 2016 quarter-final in Bordeaux.
Germany have failed to beat Italy in eight previous tournament meetings - most recently losing 2-1 in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 thanks to an inspired Mario Balotelli - but did demolish Antonio Conte's men 4-1 in a friendly in March.
Italy have beaten Belgium and eliminated Spain from Euro 2016 with impressive tactical performances, and Hummels knows Germany can't afford to fall into the same traps.
> > What we have learnt is that we should not fall behind 1\-0. They are too much in the driver's seat then. > > > "I'd be a great advocate for changing the complexion of the match by taking the lead ourselves. > > > "We beat \[Italy\] with our Under\-21s in 2009, and thus my record \[against them\] is balanced. > > > "We also have looked good in friendly matches against them after 2012 \[drawing 1\-1 in Milan in 2013 and winning 4\-1 in Munich in March\]. > > >