Bierhoff: ‘Italy are no longer the most feared opponents for Germany’
Former Milan striker Oliver Bierhoff believes Italy are no longer Germany’s most feared opponent, despite their history of causing problems for the Mannschaft on the international stage.
As the Azzurri prepare to face Julian Nagelsmann’s side in a two-legged Nations League quarter-final, Bierhoff suggested that Luciano Spalletti’s current squad lacks the same level of quality as the Italian teams he once faced.
“Italy are no longer the most feared opponent, the bogey team,” Bierhoff told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.
“With all due respect, but especially in 2006, the Azzurri had a different level of quality. I believe winning the 2020 Euros was a great achievement, but overall, many players today are not at the same level as those of the past.”
Biehroff: Italy had ‘so much quality’ in 2006, Conte not ‘the most pleasant’ opponent
Bierhoff acknowledged that Italy had caused Germany plenty of frustration in the past but admitted he wasn’t surprised when he was asked why they eliminated the hosts in the 2006 World Cup semifinal.
“Because they had so much quality,” he admitted.
“A team that wins even in extra time always has something extra, just like we did against Argentina in 2014. In Dortmund, we showed grit, physicality, and team spirit.
“We gave 105%. But Italy had that extra bit of finesse—just look at Del Piero’s touch.
“In the end, these are the moments that decide these matches—quality, substance, and consistency.
“We were nervous. Frings had been suspended after the quarter-final against Argentina due to video evidence, which sparked a lot of controversy.
“We all knew each other well, but the tension was too high, even in the locker room afterward—everyone was on their own. We were really down.”
However, Germany got their revenge by knocking out Antonio Conte’s Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 after a tense penalty shootout. Bierhoff also admitted that he never found the former Azzurri coach particularly likeable.
“Another tense night, but we made it through,” he recalled.
“I have great respect for Conte—he brings incredible intensity—but as an opponent, he’s not exactly the most pleasant.
“He was the same as a player; when I faced him, he wasn’t someone you could chat with easily. In Bordeaux, we barely even looked at each other.
“On the pitch, we had more quality, but that last penalty went in strangely—soft, weak. It must have been written in the stars.”
Topics
-
Which Serie A side has the most players in the latest Italy squad?
Luciano Spalletti’s former side Napoli have five representatives in the latest Italy national team squad for the Nations League quarter-finals against Germany coming up in March, which means that ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Völler warns against Italy - but believes Germany will get through
Germany will be looking to take the next step in the UEFA Nations League when they take on Italy in the quarter-finals this month.Having played in the Serie A with AS Roma during his playing days, ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Buffon: Italy have an 'ultra competitive' team for Germany quarters
Italy are not underdogs in this week's Nations League quarter-final tie with Germany, their former goalkeeper great Gianluigi Buffon has said. "Italy have an ultra-competitive team with a smart and ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
'A tough nut to crack', Germany's Völler's warns ahead of Italy date
{microsoft_credit="" caption="German association football managerRudi Voeller signs autographs at the team hotel. The national team will face Italy in the Nations League in Milan on Thursday. ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Injured Germany star visits national team ahead of Italy clash
So often relied upon by Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, Niclas Füllkrug missed out on Germany’s latest squad because of a hamstring injury. But that didn’t prevent the West Ham United striker ...Yahoo Sports - 7h -
Italy vs Germany: Why their latest Nations League clash matters
It is one of international football’s elite fixtures and always so much more than a glorified friendly. Giancarlo Rinaldi looks ahead to the latest chapter of Italy’s epic rivalry with Germany.Any...Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Every word Italy coach Spalletti said on Germany, Azzurri injuries and Kean
Luciano Spalletti admits that Andrea Cambiaso and Mattia Zaccagni may only be available for Italy’s second-leg Nations League game against Germany and feels Moise Kean is well suited for a ‘physic...Yahoo Sports - 3h -
Thigh injury rules Retegui out of Italy's Nations League clash with Germany
Mateo Retegui is out of Italy's Nations League quarter-final against Germany after picking up a thigh injury, the country's football federation (FIGC) said on Wednesday.The winner of the ...Yahoo Sports - 2h -
Lazio Duo Called Up for Italy Squad Ahead of UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals vs Germany
Lazio will have two representatives in the Italy squad that will take on Germany in the UEFA Nations League Quarter-finals, as Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolo Rovella were both selected.The ...Yahoo Sports - 4d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Two-sport stars Danzy, Gibson juggling time as football practice begins
Micahi Danzy and BJ Gibson have been juggling two sports for months, on and off the field. Now spring practice begins.Yahoo Sports - 24m -
Two-sport stars Danzy, Gibson juggling time as football practice begins
Micahi Danzy and BJ Gibson have been juggling two sports for months, on and off the field. Now spring practice begins.Yahoo Sports - 24m -
Auburn vs Alabama State prediction: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament first round?
It’s the Auburn Tigers vs Alabama State Hornets in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball gameYahoo Sports - 26m -
Auburn vs Alabama State prediction: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament first round?
It’s the Auburn Tigers vs Alabama State Hornets in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball gameYahoo Sports - 26m -
How Shaquille O'Neal, other LSU players, sparked Humboldt’s TSSAA basketball state tournament win
Several former LSU basketball players, including Shaquille O'Neal, reached out to Humboldt before its TSSAA state tournament win over North Greene.Yahoo Sports - 26m
More in Sports
-
Jalen Milroe NFL Draft 2025 profile: Full scouting report, 40-yard dash time, NFL comparison, landing spots
Milroe is a project with major upsideCBS Sports - 16m -
Jalen Milroe NFL Draft 2025 profile: Full scouting report, 40-yard dash time, NFL comparison, landing spots
Milroe is a project with major upsideCBS Sports - 16m -
Aaron Rodgers update: Vikings not pursuing 10-time Pro Bowler, sticking with J.J. McCarthy as QB, per report
Minnesota reportedly could still possibly explore the idea of adding Rodgers laterCBS Sports - 17m -
2025 Valspar Championship picks, odds, field: Surprising predictions from golf model that's nailed 13 majors
SportsLine's model simulated the 2025 Valspar Championship 10,000 times and revealed its surprising PGA Tour golf picksCBS Sports - 20m -
College softball rankings: The Top 25 teams after Week 6
Is Oklahoma still No. 1? Which team dropped out this week? Here's the updated college softball Top 25 poll for Week 6.ESPN - 20m