Michael Ballack: 'Germany will beat Italians'

Former Germany midfielder Michael Ballack has backed the world champions to overcome Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 on Saturday night.

Italy will enter the last-eight clash full of confidence after beating the holders Spain in the round of 16, but Ballack 'believes' that his nation will triumph this weekend.

"I doubt the Italians will be able to pull off such a strenuous effort again," Ballack told UEFA.com. "I believe in a German win."

Germany, who scored three unanswered goals against Slovakia in the last round, have never beaten Italy in a competitive match.