Buffon warns Italy to not get carried away after quarter-final win over England

Jun 25, 2012 8:35:00 PM

The Azzurri captain does not believe there's any reason to celebrate yet after securing a place in the last four of the European Championship, and is confident of upsetting Germany

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.

	ITALY TO REACH THE FINAL?
15/8	Italy are 15/8 to beat Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final with bet365

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.

Italy are 15/8 to beat Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final with bet365

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