Lazio” data-scaytid=”23″>Lazio hitman Miroslav Klose hopes he’ll be picked to face Italy in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 semi-final, especially as he remembers Germany’s 2006 defeat.
The striker struggled with injury during the last few months of the campaign, though he still scored 12 goals in 27 Serie A games.
Lazio hitman Miroslav Klose hopes he’ll be picked to face Italy in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 semi-final, especially as he remembers Germany’s 2006 defeat.
The striker struggled with injury during the last few months of the campaign, though he still scored 12 goals in 27 Serie A games.
“Of course, there are differences between Italians and Germans. I like that they are a bit more relaxed than we are. You can see that there is another way to play football and that it works just as well. That might be an advantage for them,” he told UEFA.com.
“Sure, Italy pushed England back, but that will not happen against us. We will play with different tactics to England. I think we know where Italy's weaknesses are and we will try to use that to our advantage.”
Klose revealed Germany are also prepared whether Cesare Prandelli sticks with the 4-3-1-2 system or returns to the 3-5-2 used in the opening games.
“We have practised playing against both formations. We know what to do against either formation in terms of how the midfielders, the strikers and players on the wing have to play.
“We have to wait and see which formation they choose, but I don't think that they can surprise us there.
“I assume I will play. I prepare myself as if I will be playing. I have always stated that we have two great strikers and the Coach has been right with his choices so far. Let's see what he decides now.”
The 34-year-old is one of five players in the current German squad who tasted defeat in the 2006 World Cup semi-final.
“That was then and now is now. Both teams have changed and our style of playing has changed a bit because many new and more dynamic players have been added to the squad.
“We are two different teams now and even though some of Italy’s World Cup winners are still pulling the strings they have changed as well. However, we are in good shape and have prepared very well for them.”