Italy will take on Germany at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux in the third quarter-final of the UEFA Euro 2016. Antonio Conte’s side have reached the quarters after their incredible 2-0 win over holders Spain in their round of 16 clash. Joachim Low’s side, on the other hand, recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Slovakia to march to the quarters.
Die Mannschaft are the only team in the tournament who are yet to concede a goal and have reached so far, having won three of their games, while drawing one against Poland. The Azzurri have recorded impressive victories over Belgium, Sweden and Spain en route to the quarters, however, they did suffer a surprise loss at the hands of Republic of Ireland in their last group game.
Tonight’s encounter between the two powerhouses is expected to be one of the matches of the tournament with the two teams looking to secure a berth in the semi-final. A potential clash against France or Iceland awaits for the winner of tonight’s game.
Speaking ahead of the match, Low has underlined the importance of maintaining a balance between defence and attack and has warned his side to be wary of the Azzurri on the counter-attack. He said: “This week we have analysed Italy and seen their other games – they don't just have defensive qualities but also good attacking solutions. Of course they know how to defend and we've prepared for that and analysed a few other things.
“I think we're well prepared. It's about a balance in between defence and attack – you must create chances, but you must take them because against Italy you may not have as many as against Northern Ireland.”
Antonio Conte has hailed Germany as a better side than Spain and has also labelled Die Mannschaft as the most complete side in world football. The Chelsea-bound manager highlighted that his side overcame the threat of La Furia Roja to make it to the quarters. He said: "We're playing a very strong squad from every perspective. They're a better side than Spain and reigning world champions. I think Germany are the most complete side in the world at the moment. They have a lot of strong players. They have a side with strong principles and organisation – my compliments to their coach and their players.
“Italy versus Germany is a knockout match, a quarter-final, and a great match for us. If I were to go back in time a month ago it wouldn't have been a contest because of the respective sides, but now we're here after beating Spain. We'll need to perform well to overturn the odds, but we've worked hard. No one starts as a beaten side. If we do win tomorrow, it will be extremely well earned.”
Live Stream and Kick-off time
The match will be live from 00:30 IST (Sunday), 20:00 BST (Saturday). Watch live streaming of Germany vs Italy on SonyLIV. Follow Germany vs Italy, Euro 2016 Live Score and Commentary with Sportskeeda. The match will be telecasted live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD in India, Fox Sports in the USA and Premier Sports in the UK. The match will be played at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux .
Team News
Low has a full-fit squad at his disposal with Julian Draxler, Sami Khedira and Jerome Boateng all recovering from their respective injuries. However, Benedikt Howedes is expected to replace Hector in the starting line-up at left-back. Five Die Mannschaft players are a booking away from missing the next match, which includes Boateng, Mesut Ozil, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels and Khedira.
Daniele de Rossi suffered a thigh injury in the game against Spain and faces a race against time to be fit for tonight’s clash. Antonio Candreva has still not recovered from his thigh injury, while Thiago Motta is suspended for the clash. Stefano Sturaro is expected to slot in place of de Rossi, if the latter doesn't recover in time. 11 of the Azzurri players are a booking away from missing the semi-final, these include - Barzagli, Bonucci, Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi, De Sciglio, Éder, Insigne, Pellè, Sirigu, Zaza
Probable Line-Ups
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Höwedes; Kroos, Khedira; Müller, Özil, Draxler; Gomez
Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Sturaro, Parolo, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pellè, Éder
Form guide (Most recent first)
Germany: WWDWW
Die Mannschaft have won four of their last five games, with the only draw coming in the game against Poland.
Italy: WLWWW
The Azzurri also have won four of their last five games, however, they have suffered one loss against Republic of Ireland.
Head to Head record
Die Mannschaft have never managed to beat Italy at a major tournament, having suffered four losses and drawn the other four.
Germany have lost all of their four encounters against the Azzurri in the knockout stages, three of them coming in the World Cup and one in the Euros.
In the last encounter between the two sides, Germany beat Italy 4-1 in Munich to record their first victory over the Italy since June 1995.
15 of the 18 goals scored in their previous eight encounters at major tournaments have come after half-time, including seven in extra time (39%).
Match Prediction
A high-octane encounter is expected at the Stade de Bordeaux, but goals are expected to come at a premium. On one hand, Germany are yet to concede a goal, while Italy have one of the best defence in world football. The Azzurri are expected to continue their impressive run against the big teams and we predict a 2-1 win for Antonio Conte’s side.
