Germany coach Joachim Low says silencing Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is key to beating Italy.

The two nations face-off tonight in their Euro2012 semifinal.

"We're here where we wanted to be. I think the best four teams are here," Low said in a Press conference.

"These four teams have played the best football. It will be very tight, the teams will be playing at the top level, there's no doubt about this. As it's a semi-final, you do need a little bit of luck to get to the final. We are in a strong position.

"Italy are very good coming from the back with Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli they have really classy players and especially Pirlo. He's the one who gives the tactics, the ideas, and directs the game.

"We have to disturb these players and think of a way how we can do better than them in midfield and must dictate the tempo ourselves. We have a plan to 'disarm' the Pirlo weapon.

"We have to be cheeky, confident, but work very hard as well. We won't concentrate on them, we will work on our own game.

"We know how Cassano and Balotelli play but I am convinced my central defenders will cope. We are prepared for that. Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber have the support of the midfielders and they are both very tactically astute."