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Germany are through to the semi-finals at Euro 2016 to face either France or Iceland after scoring their first ever win over Italy in a major competition.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Germany 1 (6)
Italy 1 (5)
Bordeaux hosts the marquee clash of the quarter-finals in Euro 2016, as Germany play Italy . Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am (AEST) Saturday morning.
Two teams of extraordinary pedigree, this is the stage where both Germany and Italy belong. Granted, two games still remain for one of these sides if they are to be crowned as champions, but make no mistake, this clash has the hallmark and quality of a final.
But no German will feel that way. Never have Die Mannschaft beaten Italy in major competition, and while the rest of the world fear the threat of the atypical German consistency, Italy have never been perturbed. In that, this team possibly may be the only team Germany fears.
Italy, atypical of themselves, have progressed without being overly impressive, as is their way. The defence is effective, their attack is sufficient. Such a combo may be a shortcoming in a league format, but in knockout football, it is the essence of championship quality.
Italy were always going to be the team every other feared to face in the knockouts. Having disposed of the two-time reigning champions Spain with clinical ease, now it is the turn of the world champions Germany to bring down a team that preaches win-at-any-cost as its mantra.
Germany coach Joachim Low, despite his success since taking over Die Mannschaft nearly 10 years ago, is also privy to the Italian threat. His best hopes of beating Italy is to match them exactly via their own obdurate tactics.
This may see the more creative outlets of the likes of Mesut Ozil and Mario Gotze sacrificed in place of the more defensive Emre Can or even captain Bastian Schweinsteiger in central midfield alongside Toni Kroos.
While Italy’s threat via counterattacks is fabled, Germany’s best hopes is to nullify this and force the Azzurri to look at more conventional modes of attack.
Coupled with a more defensive midfield could also be the deployment of Thomas Muller upfront as a lone striker, with perhaps the veteran Lukas Podolski to play behind Muller.
The winger Julian Draxler may also make way to enable Low to focus his team in the middle of the park.
While Italy’s fullbacks or wingbacks do like to pile forward and cross, Germany should be sufficiently able to deal with any aerial threats courtesy of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.
For Italy, carry on as per any tournament they play. But they themselves will face a handicap, with midfielders Thiago Motta, Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Candreva all unavailable.
This may require coach Antonio Conte to retain wingbacks Mattia De Sciglio and Alessandro Florenzi ahead of his back three, which may require the protection of Stefano Sturaro alongside Marco Parolo.
Italy will likely keep faith with Graziano Pelle up front, but his job will be to encourage the forward runs of his wingbacks, as well as the supporting Eder or Emanuele Giaccherini.
Italy’s key to success rests with the Juventus quartet that protect their goal, with Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci well versed in working harmoniously in front of their champion goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon.
At the very least, that is a combination that can take Italy to extra time, and their industry is sufficient enough to propel their opponents into errors, which is when they are most likely to strike. It’s been the atypical Italian way.
Germany will need to make some of their own history if they are to see a semi-final, while Italy’s record will stand them in good stead to continue to underwhelm yet progress further to glory. A true game of championship quality awaits.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am (AEST) Saturday morning.
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