MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 04:08:17| >> :600:133596:133596:

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
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
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!