Italian midfielder Thiago Motta believes that the Azzurri have the momentum and the big chance to defeat the Germans in the Euro 2012 semifinals.

Cesare Prandelli's men were able to dominate England in their quarter final match on Sunday, winning the penalty shootout 4-2 after a dragging tie all throughout regulation time.

The Paris Saint-Germain player believes the Italians can now go on to achieve something "special".

"First we have to enjoy this moment. We are really happy right now. We have reached the semi-finals and this is not an easy feat. Then we will start the preparation," he told Goal.com.

"The first part of that will be to ensure that everyone is fully rested. We now play another really difficult opponent on Thursday. Germany is a different rival altogether.

"They play very well together as a team. They are also a very close knit unit. But I feel we have the momentum now. I do feel that we could do something very special here."

Motta also revealed that he actually feared that they will lose against Hodgson’s men.

"As a team we went through a lot out there but I think in the end we really did deserve to go through on this occasion.

"We had a really big rival in front of us. They were well organised and everyone of them was defending really solidly in front of each other.”

"In the end we had to take them to penalties. I think as I have just said, we did deserve to win it but you still have to credit them for that achievement."

Motta still gives credit to England’s playing style. "I genuinely think that every team has its own style. Every team has to play to its strength in order to win. We have seen that already this year. I mean just look at Chelsea," he added.

"They have shown us that you can play in this defensive way and be a winner. Everyone has to put forward their strongest characteristics in order to get the result.

"This is how England have shown themselves. We had a different way of playing. This time we won, but look it could also have been England. But I have to say of the two we definitely deserve to be the winner!"