GRAZIANO Pelle is aiming to become the third Saints star into the semi-finals of Euro 2016 tonight when Italy face Germany in the tournament’s last-eight.

St Mary's duo Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares played an influential part for Portugal as they became the first team through to the last-four with a penalty shootout victory over Poland.

Now it’s up to striker Pelle and the Azzurri to beat world champions Germany at Nouveau Stade in Bordeaux.

Certainly, history is on the towering striker’s side because the Germans have lost all knockout tournament matches against Italy stretching back to 1970.

Pelle has had an excellent tournament so far, with two late goals to his name. One of them came in the group stages in a 2-0 win over Belgium, before netting another against Spain in the last-16.

His impact for Italy has given Saints plenty of food for thought, with Pelle expected to leave St Mary’s this summer before his contract expires next summer.

Several Serie A clubs have been linked, while a move to Stoke and a reunion with Ronald Koeman at Everton has also been speculated about.

New Saints manager Claude Puel will have to assess whether or not Pelle is a player he is keen to keep, especially with 15-goal Sadio Mane leaving for Liverpool recently.

The former Feyenoord striker netted 13 goals last season and represents one of the club’s best goal-threats along with Shane Long.

Although, Pelle turns 31 next month, while his streaky form and an irritable knee meant Saints only saw his best in fits and starts last term.

Certainly, Italy legend Christian Vieri, the former Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Juventus man, believes that Pelle is misunderstood and should not be underestimated.

He said: “Pelle was exceptional against Spain. He played for the team, he really did. Sometimes those who don't understand very much about football use the term 'generous' for players who only do two or three useful things for the team.

“But Pelle played wholly in service of his team. Thanks to him, all of the departments played well. His work with his back to the goal was fantastic, controlling the ball with his chest and his head, and holding it when he had it in his feet. That's the kind of thing that allowed the defence and the midfield to breathe.

“He also favoured the runs of the midfielders by playing one-twos, sometimes with his head. Eder himself was allowed dash into space.

“Pelle picked up seven long balls out of every eight, and he was always alongside his teammates when they were struggling.

“When you have a guy like that in the team, your defence will never struggle. You can get the ball out of the defence even more quickly because you always have a point of reference up there who is capable of receiving the ball or creating space, all the while opening passing lanes for his comrades.

“Plus he scored twice, in two episodes that were almost identical. He was able to close on his chance, he's big and he's brave. He fears no-one, and these are days when you meet players who are real beasts, so you must know how to command respect.

“Pelle took care of two giants like Sergio Ramos and [Gerard] Pique all on his own. In brief, he exploits his qualities to the utmost. He's not a player for the counter, he must be used exactly the way Conte is using him. Not all great strikers know how to play with their backs to the goal.

“A player like that, who is willing to learn, can be asked to keep on learning all the way until he's 35. I used to be eyed with doubt because of my technical 'roughness', but to the end of my career I always kept expecting more of myself. You can improve at every age, and those who stop can't go anywhere.”

Perhaps Vieri’s comments will help Saints make a decision over Pelle’s future.