Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has insisted that he is fully committed to the Azzurri, despite having links with Germany.
The two nations go head to head this evening for a place in the Euro 2012 final.
While Montolivo will be wearing the blue of Italy, the playmaker's mother is from Hamburg and the AC Milan player wears flags from both nations on his shinpads.
"I've worn boots and shinpads like this since I started playing football, so I'm not changing them now," the Daily Star quotes Montolivo as saying.
"It's definitely a special match. I can't hide my origins. Part of me is German and I'm still in touch with a lot of friends there. But I was born and raised in Italy, so I feel 99% Italian."
Meanwhile Spain secured their place in the final after overcoming Portugal in a penalty shootout.
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Danielle Joynson
