Germany manager Joachim Low has insisted that his side must 'get in the way' of Andrea Pirlo if they are to beat Italy.

The two sides meet in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 on Thursday night, with the winners advancing to the final to face Spain.

Pirlo has received mass plaudits for his performances at the tournament, and Low knows that the Germans will have to prevent him from controlling the game if his side are to progress.

"Pirlo is not just a very good player, but the player who dictates the tactics and gives the team their ideas," said Low. "He's the Italian player who directs the game.

"We have to disturb him, stop him playing, get in his way, and think of a way how we can do better than Italy in midfield.

"We have to dictate the tempo of the match upon the Italians. I think we'll be able to do that."

Germany have never beaten Italy in a major tournament.