Loew turns to Italy to put Germany in sync

With a penchant for espressos and Italian life in general, it's perhaps no surprise that Germany coach Joachim Loew has chosen the picturesque wine-producing region of Eppan in northern Italy as the venue for his team's pre-World Cup training camp.

Languid evenings glugging Pinot Grigio, however, are not on the agenda, with Loew intending to use every single minute to shape a tight-knit group ready to defend the title won in Brazil four years ago.

Team spirit, he says, can make all the difference. Indeed, the 58-year-old's ability to gel his charges within short periods of time has been one of the hallmarks of his distinguished 12-year reign as Germany boss.