Italy defender Mattia De Sciglio has said Antonio Conte is like the team's 12th man at Euro 2016.
Conte, who will take charge of Chelsea once Italy's campaign concludes, has earned plenty of plaudits for his work in France and has been a strong vocal presence on the touchline during the Azzurri's matches.
Speaking prior to Saturday's quarterfinal against Germany in Bordeaux (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET, ESPN2), De Sciglio said: "It's the hunger he has to guide this team from the bench.
"Also because, as you can see, he could practically come on and play with us. All of his determination and desire to fight for every ball and not give an inch and win, this is the thing that you all see.
"Can we hear him on the field? Definitely! Especially those of us who play on the wing."
De Sciglio struggled with form as part of an AC Milan side under a great deal of pressure last season.
He added: "Conte has certainly helped me a lot because he's made me feel his faith in all stages of the season, calling me up during the months in which I was not at my best.
"He made me feel part of this squad, giving me his faith and making me realise and feel that I am a big player for this squad and for him. Certainly he's helped me a lot.
"All of the group here, together, are helping to bring out the qualities in each and every of us."
As a result, Italy head into the Germany clash having won over many fans with their performances against Belgium and Spain.
"We showed that the answers come on the pitch and we'll do all we can to repeat this against Germany," he said. "It's going to be an even tougher game because they are the defending world champions and even physically they are in better shape than Spain.
"It's going to be hard and we're going to have to suffer, but as I've said, if we prepare it well from the first seconds, like against Spain, we can give it a go. If we play as a team with the sacrifice and determination we've shown, we can also cause Germany harm."