Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski is desperate for Germany to end their Italy hoodoo.

Germany will go into Thursday's Euro 2012 semi-final having never beaten Italy in seven previous tournament matches.

"It's the time to break that series," Podolski told BILD newspaper.

"Since 2006 we have improved enormously. Today we have a whole different philosophy and a different team. The Italians also know that.

"One thing is clear - we want to be in the final, so we have to beat the Italians. Therefore, this will hopefully be the end for Italy in this European Championship."