Striker Mario Gomez said on Wednesday (29th June) he was convinced Germany would break their major tournament hoodoo against Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 on Saturday (2nd July).

Germany continued their preparations for their Euro 2016 quarter-final meeting with Italy on Saturday evening.

The game features arguably the two most in form teams of the tournament, Germany are undefeated and yet to concede in their four games played.

While Italy did lose to the Republic of Ireland in their third group game, they were already guaranteed top spot in the group at the time.

Germany's biggest hurdle may well prove to be mental given the fact their record against Italy in major tournaments does not make for good reading.

In eight previous encounters, the Germans have never beaten their rivals, four of those meetings have been in the knockout stages.

However, Mats Hummels is not concerned with history.

SOUNDBITE: (German) Mats Hummels, Germany centre back:

"Italy are the same as Germany, they are a 'tournament team', they alwas perform and that is why it is so difficult to beat them. However, the fact that German teams of the past have never managed to beat them has no relevance to us."

Mario Gomez has enjoyed a recent revival leading the German attack and his country will need another big performance in order to change the narrative.

He too appears unphased and full of confidence.

SOUNDBITE: (German) Mario Gomez, Germany striker:

"I think it will be a very intense game for both teams. And I am convinced that we come out of it as the winners. But we do know that this will be an extremely difficult match for us."

The two sides will face-off in Bordeaux as they chase a spot in the last four of the competition.