MX23RW : Friday, January 31 10:53:06| >> :600:1158463:1158463:

Preview: Semi-final - Germany vs. Italy

Preview: Semi-final - Germany vs. Italy
© PA Photos
Sports Mole looks ahead to Thursday's semi-final clash between Germany and Italy at Euro 2012.

Following Spain's penalty-shootout victory over Portugal, Germany and Italy will battle it out in Warsaw on Thursday night for the right to take on the defending European champions in Sunday's final.

Amazingly, Die Mannschaft have never triumphed over the Azzurri at a major tournament.

However, Joachim Low's are the favourites to make it through following an impressive five straight wins at the tournament.

That said, the Azzurri know how to spoil a party following their exploits against England last weekend and they will be looking to do the same again in this round.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to be fit for the match after suffering a hamstring problem, while Miroslav Klose could retain his place in attack instead of Mario Gomez.

Marco Reus and Andre Schurrle are also likely to start in attack following their performances against Greece in the quarter-finals.

Italian coach Cesare Prandelli is able to choose Giorgio Chiellini after a hamstring injury, but Daniele De Rossi and Ignazio Abate are both thought to be nursing minor knocks. Thiago Motta could return, while Christian Maggio is suspended.

Current form:

Germany: LWWWWW
Italy: LLDDWW

Possible lineups:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Reus, Ozil, Schurrle; Klose

Italy: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Balzaretti; Marchisio, Pirlo, Nocerino; Motta; Balotelli, Cassano

Sports Mole says: 2-1

ID:32441: cacheID:32441:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2678:
Written by
Jack Prescott

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Daniele De Rossi
Read Next:
De Rossi denies Balotelli bust-up
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!