Match Preview – Germany vs Italy

At 8pm West African Time, Germany vs Italy will meet in Bordeaux on Saturday with a place in the semifinals at stake. Germany cruised into the quarterfinals after seeing off Slovakia 3-0 while Italy have impressed under Antonio Conte, their 2-0 win over Spain in the round of 16 ending the holders’ grip on the European Championship title.

The two heavyweights of world football, who between them have won as many major tournaments since the 1990 World Cup as England have won knockout-stage matches, have both put in good and solid performances at Euro 2016 so far.

Italy outclassed Belgium in the group stages and eliminated holders Spain in the round of 16. They have yet to concede a goal when playing with their first-choice XI and only suffered a meaningless 1-0 defeat to Ireland in the final group match.

Germany, on the other hand, have slowly gathered form and constantly tweaked their lineup in every match. They also have yet to concede, partially down to some world class saves from Manuel Neuer but also due to their collective effort in defence. They have shut their opponents down and in centre-back Jerome Boateng and centre-midfielder Toni Kroos, they have two of the best players in their respective positions at this tournament.

According to Ben Gladwell, Italy’s unbeaten record against Germany in major tournaments will give Conte’s men even more confidence for this quarter-final. Although the past has no direct bearing on the present, it is a psychological fillip for an Azzurri side whose foundations at UEFA EURO 2016 have been based on a strong mentality. Italy have respect for this Germany team but no fear, and are confident of adding the scalp of the world champions to that of the deposed European champions.