•It’s Biggest Test, Kroos Admits

Mats Hummels hopes Germany can break down Italy backline in today’s Euro 2016 quarterfinal clash: “They’re definitely among the strongest central defenders in the world.”

Germany will want revenge after losing Euro 2012 semi-final to Italy.

Italy’s defensive unit has impressed in France, with Antonio Conte’s side yet to concede when Gianluigi Buffon has played behind Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

They have only conceded one goal in the competition, against the Republic of Ireland, when Conte chose to make nine changes.

Italy kept a clean sheet when they faced Spain in the round of 16, winning 2-0, as the Juventus quartet were reunited.

Hummels admitted the Italy had made an impression on him, but revealed he hoped Mario Gomez could puncture their solid defence.

Asked whether he or Bonucci were the better player, Hummels replied: ‘Tough question. I’m very impressed with the Italian defence. Not only Bonucci, but Barzagli and Chiellini, too.

“They’re definitely among the strongest central defenders in the world.

“I hope that after the game I may have had the better match, because Mario [Gomez] scored against them.’

“In general, it’s difficult to answer this type of questions,’ he continued, as reported by FourFourTwo.

“It can change in the space of a few weeks according to form, sometimes luck too. I find both are two good defenders.”

There will be an element of revenge for Germany against Italy – they were eliminated by Cesare Prandelli’s side in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

Italy went on to lose comfortably in the final of that tournament against Spain as they conceded four without reply.

Also speaking, Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, says he will not carry any “trauma” into today’s quarter-finals despite Germany ’s shocking record against Italy.

Kroos was visibly irritated by questions about the Italians ’remarkable run of victories over his homeland in major tournaments.

The Germans have lost ALL FOUR knockout matches against the Azzurri stretching back to 1970, including the 1982 World Cup final and also a Euro 2012 semis , and drawn their other four meetings in tournaments.

But the Real Madrid star said: “Why should I have an Italy trauma? How often was I there? I don’t have a problem talking about Italy. I just don’t have any Italy trauma.

“So we never won? You can’t change that. But this game is what is important. We will look to be prepared perfectly and then go out and beat them. I am very optimistic.”

Germany did beat Italy 4-1 in a friendly in March but general manager Oliver Bierhoff said that result counted for nothing ahead of Saturday’s clash in Bordeaux.

Bierhoff said: “That 4-1 win is absolutely not an issue. We have to erase that.

“The Italians are organised, united and very strong in these matches.

You can see they have plays they know inside out and have studied repeatedly.

“It is a disciplined and ­concentrated team. The toughest one we have faced so far. There is no fear, just joy for this game.

“These matches make the heart beat faster. They are ­determined and are motivated but they will not be over-nervous.”

Kroos did admit it will be Germany’s “biggest test” to date but fully expects them to win after an impressive Euros campaign so far.

“We are in good shape at the moment,” he said. “But Italy will be the strongest opponent and the biggest test so far.