Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has admitted that his side will look to shackle key Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo when the teams meet on Thursday evening.

The European heavyweights meet in the Euro 2012 semi-finals, with a place in the final against Spain up for grabs.

Pirlo has been imperious for the Azzurri and is the fulcrum behind their attacking play; the Bayern Munich man is out to put the Juventus star under pressure.

“I like the way Pirlo plays but he is 33," The Telegraph state Schweinsteiger as saying.

“What he’s been doing in this tournament has been quite something, fantastic, really good to watch. But there’s also a way to stop him.

“You have to attack them. We’ll have a certain aggression in our game. You need that," he continued.

Schweinsteiger will be partnered in the centre of the park by Sami Khedira, who he feels is having an excellent competition.

"He’s very important as a player for me. He opens up spaces going forward, is always available, scores goals but we both can’t be upfront during a game. We have to make sure we know where our positions are and what we have to do.

“Sami is playing well, making a really good impression. He’s learned a lot at Real Madrid, has become much stronger. Through that experience in the Champions League, you learn a lot," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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