EURO 2016 Preview: Germany v Italy
Date: Saturday 2 July, 2016
Time: 20:00 GMT
Location: Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Coverage: BBC One - 19:30 GMT
Vying for a place in the second semi-final of Euro 2016 are Germany and Italy, and the prize could barely be more appealing, with the winner to play against either host nation France or minnows Iceland in the final four.
German Head coach Joachim Löw has led the world champions into the quarter-finals at a canter.
A draw with Poland represented Germany’s only slipup in the competition so far, and they are yet to concede a goal ahead of an intriguing tie with fellow European giants Italy.
Italian Head coach Antonio Conte had signed a contract to take over the reins at Chelsea back in April, and the West London club will be delighted with what they have seen from their new boss at the competition to this stage.
The Italians – just like their German opponents – have built their success on solid foundations at the back, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is yet to pick the ball out of his net at the tournament as he was replaced by Salvatore Sirigu in their 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland during the group stages.
Team news
Germany:
Löw has the luxury of a full squad to choose from as his side look to avenge their semi-final defeat against the Italians four years earlier.
The World Cup winning coach brought Mario Gómez into the side after the goalless draw with Poland on match day two, and there is little doubt that the Beşiktaş forward will be chosen to lead the line for a third successive match after scoring in consecutive fixtures against Northern Ireland and Slovakia.
21 year-old Joshua Kimmich replaced Benedikt Höwedes at right back against the Irish on match day three, and again against Slovakia in the round of 16, with the German boss potentially undecided as to who should fill the position against the Italians.
Italy:
Conte looks almost certain to be without his key midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who has amassed over 100 caps for his country and plays a vital role in shielding Italy’s robust backline, as the Roma star rushes to recover from a thigh injury that he suffered during the 2-0 victory over Spain last time out.
Gli Azzurri could also be without wide man Antonio Candreva for the crucial fixture in Bordeaux, with the Chelsea target hoping to overcome a hamstring injury.
And De Rossi’s partner in central midfield - Thiago Motta - is another who Conte will be forced to leave out as he completes a suspension that was picked up against the side that they defeated in the 2012 final.
Key men
Germany:
A wonderful attacking side, yet Germany’s route to the semi-finals and eventually to the Euro 2016 trophy could be reliant upon their defence.
With arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the world in Manuel Neuer, standing behind central defenders Mats Hummels and Jérôme Boateng, there is little wonder as to why the three-time European champions are yet to concede at these Championships.
Keep yet another clean sheet against a determined Italian side and Germany certainly have the quality to win the match at the other end of the field.
Midfielders Toni Kroos and Mesut Özil possess the vision and the quality to pull off almost any pass that they attempt, whilst top scorer Mario Gómez has been a figurehead for the world champions since his return to the side.
Italy:
While the likes of Germany’s Neuer, Hummels and Boateng possess the natural ability to facilitate their side’s efforts going forward, the Italians base their game on the quality of their defensive play.
And like their opponents, Conte’s men are led by one of the greatest goalkeepers that has ever played the game.
In Buffon, Italy have a ‘keeper with an invaluable wealth of experience at an international level and after 160 caps, the 38 year-old will be fully aware of how important his performance could be at the Stade de Bordeaux.
Italy's iconic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is still a vital player in Conte's side.
Ahead of Buffon stand Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andrea Barzagli, who – with over 200 caps between them – have allowed some of Italy’s more familiar attacking players to flourish en route to a whole host of success on the international stage during their time in the national team.
Head-to-head
- Italy boast an exceptional record against their opponents, having never been beaten by the Germans at a major international tournament (won 4, drawn 4).
- That record includes two Italian victories at the semi-final stage in the last ten years (World Cup 2006 and Euro 2012).
- Nevertheless, Italy have lost eight of the fixtures played between these two sides, including a 4-1 win for the Germans back in March of this year.
Prediction
Germany 1 - 0 Italy
Can Germany continue on the road to a second major trophy in three years?
