Euro 2016 Championships
Date: Saturday, 2nd July, 2016
Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Nouveau Stade Bordeaux
Live Stream: Watch Euro 2016 Live Online
Germany are the only team yet to concede a single goal at Euro 2016 so far. They have won 14 of their last 17 games at major tournaments.
Joachim Low’s side have averaged 69 per cent possession over their first four games. The reigning World Champions gave the impression of shifting an extra gear in their last match when they defeated Slovakia 3-0 without dropping a sweat.
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But, there is one stat that sticks like a sore thumb – Germany have never beaten Italy at a major tournament – which puts Antonio Conte’s men in a slightly favourable position heading into this game. Italy are 14/5 with Ladbrokes to win this game.
Most importantly, Germany have never beaten Italy in the knockout stages: three times at the World Cup (semi-final in 1970, final in 1982, semi-final in 2006) and once at the European Championship (semi-final in 2012).
On paper, this has been one of the weakest Italian squads to feature in a major tournament but they’ve surprised everyone by not only topping Group E but producing a spectacular performance to knock out Spain in the round of 16.
Conte’s masterclass tactics have seen Italy outclassing Spain in every department and will look to encore the heroics against the Germans as well. The task won’t be easier, as Conte admits the Germans are the “most complete teams” in the world.
“Germany have everything to be a strong side, as they have technique, talent, physicality. They are organised and in my view the most complete team in the world. They have strong individuals and the team is just as strong as a unit,” said Conte.
“We consider Germany to be absolutely the best opponent in the tournament. We tried over the last few days to study and understand their play, so it will be a very different match to the one against Spain.”
Conte has a big problem in midfield. Daniele De Rossi remains a huge doubt after sustaining a thigh injury against Spain, although Conte has revealed that the Roma star will play against Germany in the quarter-finals. The midfield has been weakened with Thiago Motta missing through suspension as well. Stefano Sturaro could be called upon if De Rossi fails to recover in time.
Germany has no major injury problems, however, Jonas Hector is struggling with illness but he should recover in time to play against the Italians. Mario Gomez has been in good form and he is 9/2 with Ladbrokes to score the first goal of the match.
Possible Germany starting lineup: Neur, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector, Kroos, Khedira, Muller, Ozil, Draxler
Possible Italy starting lineup: Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Sciglio, De Rossi, Parolo, Giaccherini, Florenzi, Pelle, Eder
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