In the QFs Italy played 120 mins plus penalties whereas Germany had a relatively easy game when dominating Greece and winning 4-2. 2. Crucially after their draining QF Italy have had two days less recovery time than Germany. The Italian players will surely tire especially in the second half. 3. For their QF Germany also rested three strikers [Muller, Gomez + Podolski] so they will have 3 fresh forward players if manager Joachim Low wants to start them. Compared to Germany, Italy simply donât have a similar strength in depth in their squad. 4. The German MF, esp Ozil and Khedira, can create chances and with several striking options Germany have the better strike force. 5. Italy will surely play defensively, MF maestro Pirlo will not be given the space he had against England, and the Italians will surely tire the longer the game goes on. 6. German MF Schweinsteiger whose ankle problem led to his âordinaryâ performance in the QF has been declared fit. 7. Italy will be w/o LB Chiellini, + RB Maggio whose replacement Abate like De Rossi faces a late fitness test. IN SUM - This German side is better than the one that lost in Euro 2008 and in the 2010 World Cup and with that massive advantage in freshness they can beat Italy.
Italy will put men behind the ball, but there will be space behind the German midfield, and they will take every opportunity to play the long one up to Ballotelli, who won't keep missing opportunities the way he did against England. 1-0 Italy.
Can see a German win here. Pirlo will get the run around from the German midfield and won't dominate the game like he did against England.
Would love it to happen but cant see it. Want the Germans to lose but at least I have the comfort of a finacial boost if they go on and win it.
I've backed Germany at 10/11 to win in 90 mins, but i'm on Italy at 12/1 e/w to win the tournament, so I'd be happy either way. On balance and on form Germany should win comfortably, but I think adversity suits the Italians, and this team is growing together. Looking forward to an exciting game whatever the outcome. To paraphrase Daniel Day Lewis, "There will be goals!"
Actually watching the Nadal game as he may lose...going for underdog. I will die if Germany lose...you can only laugh so much!
Just got in. Another game where I'll be happy whoever wins. My other home team Italy, or the most exciting football side, Germany. 2-0 Italy. That'll do nicely, so far.
