 Warsaw: Gianluigi Buffon has warned his team-mates to not let the success of Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final victory over England get to their heads, as Italy prepare for their semi-final clash against Germany on Thursday.
Cesare Prandelli`s men progressed to the semi-finals after a frustrating game against England in Sunday`s last-eight clash. The Italians dominated the majority of the match but could only see off the Three Lions in a penalty shootout.
However, the 2006 World Cup winner insists that he will only celebrate Italy’s success once they win something as a team.
"We cannot forget that we have only overcome the quarter-final stage," Buffon said. "I cannot start jumping for joy after taking a spot in the semi-finals. I will only do that when we win something as a team.
"Those of us who have won something important want to repeat that, and also achieve it for those who haven`t won a trophy yet."
Italy will face a big test on Thursday in their semi-final clash against Euro 2012 favourites Germany, but Buffon is confident that the Azzurri have the "character" to spring a surprise and come away as winners to progress to the final.
"They are probably favourites, but we have the character to face anyone," he said.
"No one goes into a game wanting to finish second."
Germany and Italy kick off their semi-final clash on Thursday at 20:45CET in Warsaw.
Goal.com
First Published: Tuesday, June 26, 2012, 15:55
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