London, June 27: Germany striker Miroslav Klose has denied existence of any kind of mental block when playing against Italy in major tournaments, and believes the players are ready to change their pathetic history against the Azzurris during their Euro Cup semifinal match on Wednesday.

Germany have not beaten the Italians for 17 years and never in a major tournament in a record that covers three defeats, in the closing stages of World Cups, and four draws.

Klose claimed it was silly to suggest Germany had a mental block when it came to playing Italy even if the wounds of the 2006 World Cup semi-final defeat, a 2-0 loss after extra-time, have left scars.

"I think it is silly to talk about a mental block (against Italy). Yes it was a trauma [in 2006]. It lasted a bit but now it is gone. This was six years ago and we have a different team and I am convinced we will do things differently," The Telegraph quoted Klose, as saying.

Klose now plays in Italy, of course, having joined Lazio last summer and speaking at the team's training base outside Gdansk ahead of the Euro 2012 semi-final he gagged that he was a bit of a spy for Germany.

"I suppose I will try and pass on info to my team-mates if needs be" Klose said.

"They [Italy] always give their best. All the German qualities, however, the Italians take with a pinch of salt. They are a more laidback people, also in football. But, for this match, it might be an advantage for the Italians," he added.
(ANI)