Germany vs Italy – 5 Key Battles

Germany and Italy will battle in the second semifinal tonight as Spain awaits the winner to decide Euro 2012. Germany have never beaten Azzurri in major competition. The three time World and European champions will be looking to change that with a much stronger squad this time than the one that lost in 2006 World Cup semi final against Italy. Soccerisma covers some key battles that can decide the outcome of tonight’s semifinal.

Mario Gomez is likely to make his comeback into starting lineup against Italy after a substitute role in quarterfinals. The Munich forward is currently joint top scorer of the competition and knows that a single goal will make him clear favorite to win the golden boot prize. Chielini is back in training for Italy but still might not start after returning from hamstring injury. Nevertheless, Chiellini is Italy’s best defender if fit and he will have the responsibility of stopping Germany’s main talisman Gomez.

Hummels has been Germany’s best defender in the competition and will be up against the dynamic Balotelli. Super Mario has scored a goal in-group stages but has largely failed to live up to his nation’s expectation. He has missed more than a few good chances particularly versus England in the quarters and will be looking to hit form against Germany. Germans have not kept clean sheet in their last three fixtures and for the first time conceded twice in the tournament against Greece. That is something Hummels will look to address tonight defending against one of the best young talents Balotelli.

Khedira and Pirlo were the best players for their sides in the quarterfinals. Madrid star not only defended well but was also influential in attack as he scored a stunning volley against Greece. On the other hand, Pirlo perhaps did not put a foot wrong against England and was the main man behind Italy’s midfield dominance. Khedira needs to close down Pirlo and must not allow space to operate, as if given time and space, the Juventus man can guide the play and make life difficult for Germans.

De Rossi’s injury is not that serious and he might start tonight. The Italian midfielder kept England quiet in the quarters. However, one may say that England did not even pose much threat but Germans have been devastating in attack and may cause havoc if Italy lose concentration. Mesut Ozil not only supports the lone striker up front but also combines with wide players in attack. Against Greece, Real Madrid star provided two assists and delivered nice passes combining with Reus and Schurrle. De Rossi being a top quality and experienced midfielder will be key man to stop Ozil.

Having seen the last two fixtures decided on penalties, the goalkeepers will have shoot out in their minds as well. If that happens then this will be an exciting battle between Neuer and Buffon who are amongst the best in business when it comes to penalties. Italians have only conceded twice in the tournament and Germany lead the goal-scoring chart, which indicates that Buffon might just be the busier goalkeeper tonight.
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