Conte: Germany the most complete squad in the world

Italy coach Antonio Conte has labelled Germany as "the most complete side in the world" ahead of their quarter-final clash at Euro 2016 on Saturday.

Despite the fact Germany have never beaten the Azzurri in an international competition, Conte is not expecting an easy clash against Joachim Low's side.

"We are playing a very strong team. I think they're better than Spain at this moment in time. They have everything that a strong side needs, technical ability, talent, physical power, organisation, tactical set-up ... they are the most complete side in the world," he told reporters.

"They are in a very good period with a lot of strong players."

The two sides faced off in a friendly back in March, with Germany thumping Italy 4-1, but Conte is adamant his side have now proved they are a serious threat.

"If we were to go back a month, this game would not have been a contest for a number of people looking at the sides, but now we are here on the eve of a quarter-final.

"We started our journey at the European Championship with little credibility, not just from the Italian media but also the international media. Everyone thought it was dark days for the Italian game but we are showing that, through hard work and organisation, and 23 players who are working hard, that we could do something extraordinary against Spain. 

"On Saturday we will have to do something absolutely extraordinary.

"We have made significant progress since the friendly, we learned a great deal. It was a resounding defeat for us but that will give us greater stimulation to see if the gap has got bigger or smaller."

The incoming Chelsea boss finished by quashing reports that his team are intimidated by the World Champions.

"I don't know if I'd have preferred being at home as opposed to being stressed," he joked.

"I don't need to keep an eye on stressing them out, there are more serious problems than emotional stress.

"We view Germany as by far and away the best side in the world but I don't want to stress my players out from this perspective.

"We've studied the opposition as it will be a different match to the Spain game. We're well aware of our strengths and weaknesses, as we are those of the opposition."