Boateng confident of winning fitness battle

Germany defender Jerome Boateng is confident he will be fit to face Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

The Bayern Munich man scored the opener in his country’s 3-0 last-16 win over Slovakia but was replaced in the second half due to a calf problem.

Despite the camp playing down the issue, Boateng has been struggling for a while and again underwent treatment on Monday as the rest of the starting line-up were given the day off.

Next up for Die Mannschaft, who are 4.00 to win Euro 2016, are the Italians on Saturday in the last eight, a game in which Joachim Low’s men will be looking to finally break their tournament duck against the Azzurri.

Having Boateng at the heart of their defence could prove crucial and his partnership alongside Mats Hummels has undoubtedly given the world champions more solidity since the latter’s return from injury.

Benedikt Howedes is tipped to replace the 27-year-old if required, having deputised for him in the final 19 minutes of the win over the Slovaks.

Germany are currently 2.20 to win in Bordeaux, while the draw is 3.00 and the Italians are priced at 3.80.

The winner will go on to play either France or Iceland in the semi-finals and Boateng is confident he will be fit to start. “I feel pretty okay. It’s not perfect yet,” he told Kicker Magazine. “But I have enough time until Saturday.”