Germany coach Joachim Loew pulled a surprise in his line-up for Saturday’s Euro 2016 quarter-final against Italy by bulking up his defence as attacking midfielder Julian Draxler dropped to the bench.

Draxler makes way for Benedikt Hoewedes, a key member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team.

Loew could therefore deploy a back three in Bordeaux with Hoewedes alongside Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng and Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector operating as wing-backs.

Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger remains on the bench with Manuel Neuer retaining the skipper’s armband as he has in their four Euro 2016 games so far.

Italy coach Antonio Conte, meanwhile, is without Daniele De Rossi, who is only deemed fit enough for the bench.

De Rossi hobbled off in Italy’s 2-0 win over Spain in Paris on Monday with a thigh injury that has yet to heal and the tough-tackling Roma midfielder’s absence could be felt as Italy look to book a last-four spot.

The Azzurri come into the game buoyed by the effective strike partnership of Inter Milan striker Eder and Southampton’s Graziano Pelle.

Together, the pair have hit three of Italy’s five goals so far.

Conte will also be looking for the usual solidity from an all-Juventus three-man defence of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, and look for Chiellini — who scored the opener against Spain — to add height at corners and free-kicks.

Starting line-ups for the Germany v Italy Euro 2016 quarter-final at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday (1900 GMT):

Germany (4-4-2)

Manuel Neuer (capt); Benedikt Hoewedes, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Jonas Hector; Joshua Kimmich, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil; Thomas Mueller, Mario Gomez

Coach: Joachim Loew (GER)

Italy (3-5-2)

Gianluigi Buffon (capt); Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Alessandro Florenzi, Stefano Sturaro, Marco Parolo, Emanuele Giaccherini, Mattia de Sciglio; Graziano Pelle, Eder

Coach: Antonio Conte (ITA)

Referee: Viktor Kassai (HUN)