The second semifinal of Euro
2012 will decide another Finalist of Euro 2012 and the team that will play
against another Finalist of Euro 2012 Spain for the Cup. Italy will go into their semi-final clash with Germany knowing
they have the ability and experience to reach the final of Euro 2012.
Though Joachim Low’s side has
looked the team to beat at this year’s tournament, Italy has plenty of strengths of
their own and defensively, they have proved they are a tough nut to crack.
They also boast an
incredible record against the Germans who haven’t beaten Italy in a major
tournament in their previous seven attempts.
The Azzurri haven’t scored
many goals, but with Mario Balotelli leading the line, anything is
possible and if the City striker is in the mood, he could cause Germany plenty
of problems.
And in Andrea Pirlo, Italy
have one of the best midfielders in Europe pulling the strings, though the
33-year-old Juventus star, possibly playing his last major tournament, is
unlikely to get the kind of space and time he was afforded by England in
this match.
Alongside Pirlo is Daniele
De Rossi, who has done his reputation no harm over the past few weeks with a
series of impressive displays for his country – it’s clear to see why Roberto
Mancini admires the Roma midfielder so much.
Finally if Germany can get
past a talented midfield and a powerful back four, they will be faced with one
of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Buffon.
De Rossi and Ignazio Abate
both face late fitness tests while Christian Maggio is suspended – Giorgio
Chiellini returned to training on Monday and is expected to play.
Of course, Germany will go into the game full of confidence
having won all four of their games so far (compared with Italy ’s record
of one win in normal time so far from their four matches) and Mesut Özil believes
destiny is calling for his country – yet again!
"We believe in
ourselves and the goal is to return to Germany with the title,” said the
Real Madrid midfielder.
“That's why we are here and
I'm convinced we can do it. But we are concentrating on the here and now. We
are looking forward to the semi, which will be very difficult. But we are
confident we can beat anybody.
“Italy are surprisingly strong. You
could also see that in the very good match they had against world champions Spain . I think
they deserve to be in the semi-finals. They are compact, very strong, but in
general we look only at ourselves. If we play as we can, I am convinced we will
beat them."
The match, which takes place
in Warsaw on Thursday, kicks off at 19:45 (UK
time) or 00:30 NST. Stay with anantasports.com for Live streaming