Mats Hummels insists Germany have learnt their lesson from their Euro2012 exit at the hands of Italy.

As the reigning World champions prepare to take on the Azzurri in the Euro2016 quarter-finals, star defender Hummels is well aware of Antonio Conte's side and how the like to play if they manage to nick an early goal.

Hummels, who recently left Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich, knows what to expect from Italy and is determined to avoid such a scenario having conceded twice in the first half in Warsaw four years ago in their 2-1 defeat in the semi-final.

"We've learnt from 2012 that we can't fall behind, or it will be brutally hard, because they are very flexible with their three or five-man defence," said Hummels.

"I'd be very happy if we don't go behind.

"Like us, Italy are a tournament team and it will be very difficult to beat them."

Germany clash with Italy in the final eight of the 2016 edition of the Euros in Bordeaux on Saturday night.