Their first classic encounter was the 1970 semifinal in Mexico, regarded as one, if not the greatest game in World Cup history.

In the punishing afternoon heat at the Azteca stadium, Italy edged a titanic struggle 4-3 thanks to Gianni Rivera's dramatic extra-time winner.

The end-to-end match is best remembered for the heroics of rising star Franz Beckenbauer, who dislocated his shoulder but carried on playing with his arm in a sling.

Gigi Riva, who scored Italy's third goal that day, believes Tuesday's match will be less of a goal fest.

"It won't be anything like Mexico in 1970," said Italy's team manager, who as an international scored 35 goals in 42 internationals, a remarkable tally in an era dominated by catenaccio and a career disrupted by two broken legs.

"There's so much at stake and I expect it to be much, much tighter."

Riva believes beating Germany this time around will be far more satisfying because of all the negative press that has followed Italy since the Serie A match-fixing scandal erupted.

"This game is more important than the one at the Azteca because it comes at a time when our football has taken a real bashing," he said.

"From the first day that we got the squad together, it seemed as if we were on a boat that was being pounded by missiles and torpedos every day.

"But we regrouped, and (coach Marcello) Lippi has unified the players."

Beckenbauer, now chief organiser of the World Cup, has fond memories of Mexico where Italy were eventually beaten by Pele's Brazil in the final.

"1970 was a magnificent tournament," the German legend told FIFA's website.

"The fans were fanatical and stadium security wasn't quite so intense in those days. You could still do pretty much what you wanted to.

"There was just one armed policeman who sat outside the entrance and watched the whole ground. Obviously, that would be unthinkable today.

"Back then, it was simply more relaxed. The games in Mexico were colourful. The country laughed and football danced".

For those who watched the games at home, the combination of the baking Mexican sun and television in its early stages gave the images a magical sepia tint.

The other enthralling Italy v Germany clash was the 1982 final, a more one-sided affair but equally gripping.

Italy's Antonio Cabrini missed a 25th minute penalty, before the Azzurri swept Germany aside with a superb display of counter-attacking football.

The stand-out moment was Marco Tardelli's wild celebration after scoring Italy's second goal, his head shaking, fists pumping and eyes bulging in delirium.

Italy won 3-1 and were crowned world champions for a third time.