Germany v Italy Euro 2012 Preview & Tips

Germany and Italy collide on the second semi-finals match of Euro 2012. The match is on Thursday, June 28, at 19:45 GMT.

Teams News

Germany

Germany put four goals past Greece in the quarter-finals to continue moving up the tournament ladder. Despite conceding twice to the Greeks, the Germans’ four goals were enough to seal them the victory. Mesut Ozil was the start of the night once again, with two assists and a multitude of intangibles that propelled his team to another convincing victory. And take note, they dismantled Greece with Mario Gomez – one of the three pichichi candidates – having to come off from the bench. If for anything, this Germany squad looks menacing.

Joachim Low won’t have a lot of problems going into the Italy game. The manager has a healthy squad except for two players: Ilkay Gundogan and Bastian Schweinsteiger. The former doesn’t present much of an issue here but the latter is quite a handful come to think of it. Schweinsteiger personally stated that while he is fit for the game, he has been continuously bothered by an ailing ankle. Low will be praying that his prized possession will be fully fit and in time for this big semi-finals game.

Italy

Italy ousted England via penalties to earn the right to play the Germans in this semi-finals affair. It was quite a miracle in fact that Italy failed to score in regular time; the Azzurri after all peppered England’s defense with 36 shots all in all. Only eight of which were on target, underlining an inefficient Italian frontline against an England side that looked lost.

Italy’s “unavailable list” doesn’t look so well ahead of the Germany clash. Cesare Prandelli has Giorgio Chiellini, Ignazio Abate, Daniele De Rossi, and Thiago Motta suffering from injury concerns while Christian Maggio is suspended for this game. All four could be fit to face the Germans pending a fitness test any moment before the game so while Prandelli’s list isn’t looking so good, at least he doesn’t have these players out on a long term basis.

Germany v Italy Betting Preview

Germany has been flying strong all throughout the tournament while Italy has been typically Italian, showing a few inconsistencies but nevertheless getting results. Of the two sides Germany will be the more rested side, and you just can’t help but add this factor into the equation. After all, the games are getting tough with each passing game as teams are starting to feel the fatigue of having to play a number of games week in and week out.

Germany is not only advantaged in terms of being rested, they also possess lethal talent that can unlock defences efficiently. Italy may take this game to the Germans and do a good defensive job until the second half, but at the end of it all and in any way imaginable (full time, extra time, and penalties), Joachim Low’s team look like winners already.

Betting Tip

Verdict: Germany to win in extra time, 2-1.

Tip: Germany is at 1.90 to win, 10.00 to win in extra time. Then again we can’t help but be tempted with the prospect of a penalty between the two sides, and it’s going to be a very sumptuous one given the proficiency of both sides to convert pens. Germany to win on penalties is at 12.00, the same odds given to Italy.

Expect Mario Gomez to make a comeback with a vengeance. He is at 2.50 to score anytime. Mezut Ozil could also be your potential moneymaker here as he is rated at 6.00 to score anytime. For the Italians, look no further than Antonio Di Natale. Di Natale is due a goal in this match, perhaps as the best scorer for the Azzurri; he is at 4.50 to score anytime.

All odds are from Bet365.com (£200 FREE BET!).