Germany Face Italy Again

Italy sailed through to the quarter finals on Monday after beaten Spain 2-0 thanks to goals from Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle. Germany on the other hand recorded a resounding victory against Slovakia and has set up a rematch of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals and Euro 2012 Semi-finals, two games Italy won.

Germany came out strong in their group and is the only team in the quarters who have not conceded a goal. Italy has conceded one against Ireland but their display against defending champions Spain showed that Germany would have a tough time breaking into a defensive set up that freezes lone strikers out of games.

Germany coach Joachim Low is known for his composure during the matches and the strategies he ushers out that basically wipe out the attacking play of opposing sides. Evidently the partnership of Jerome Boateng and Matt Hummels has proved fruitful with Boateng having the power to score as well.

Antonio Conte is a different manager who urges his players to fight to the end. Italy’s display against Belgium in the opening game of Group E and the total dominance of Spain on Monday puts Conte up there as one of the greatest managers in the tournament as he knows how to bring the best out of his players.

 Germany and Italy Poised For Midfield Battle

Germany would be counting on Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil to do the damage amid the sub-par performances exhibited by Thomas Muller this tournament. These players together with Julian Draxler and the services of game changers Mario Gotze and Bastian Schwensteiger have provided invaluable support to the success of Germany.

Italy would be counting on Marco Parolo, Daniele De Rossi, Emmanuele Giacherrini and Thiago Motta to do the midfield battle. These players successfully cut supplies from Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva and Nolito to Alvaro Morata and they would be looking forward to cut the supplies to Mario Gomez.

Would it be a continuing dominance of Italy over Germany or would Germany bounce back and record a victory over Italy in three attempts.

Germany faces Italy on Saturday, July 2 at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.