MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 14:17:06| >> :120:15359:15359:

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:

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
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


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!