Euro 2016: Ozil out to end Italian jinx

The world champions have never beaten Italy in a major tournament but the Arsenal playmaker is hoping to end that run in Bordeaux.

Knowing history is stacked against them as they face Italy on Saturday, Germany ‘s Mesut Ozil hopes that they can overturn their historical hoodoo to make it through to the semi-final.

These nations have met in eight previous international tournaments, with Italy winning four of those clashes and drawing the rest.

Most recently Germany were dumped out at the semi-final stage of the last European Championship by their rivals, and also fell at the same stage in the World Cup which they hosted in 2006.

“We know only too well that we’ve always lost, but looking back on the games they’ve always been close,” he said.

Ozil went on to make reference to the sides’ friendly meeting in March where the Italians were eviscerated by a scoreline of 4-1 in Munich.

“It’s vital to win, they’ve stopped us in the past but we want to show we can beat them tomorrow just like in the friendly. Thinking positively and remaining united, we can achieve our goal.”