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The penultimate quarter-final is the big one in terms of tradition and history, as the two historical big guns of European football take each other one at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on July 2. Yes, it’s Germany taking on Italy, in a rivalry that has more chapters than War and Peace.
Italy defied the odds to get through to this quarter-final, beating holders Spain with relative ease 2-0. It was a defensively solid performance from the Italians, which has epitomised their tournament so far, as you expect. Italy topped Group E, conceding only 1 goal, and that was against Ireland where they fielded a weakened side. So, in 4 games, Italy have conceded 1 goal, and they’ve scored 5. Nothing sums Italian football up more than that stat, surely. Graziano Pelle is the leading Italian goalscorer, with an amazing 2 goals.
Germany have been nothing but German throughout Euro 2016. They got out of group C without losing a game, drawing with Poland 0-0 in one of the most boring games of the tournament. They did all that was needed of them to get out of the group, then put on the afterburners to smash Slovakia 3-0, and they also missed a penalty. Germany were workmanlike in the groups, but their performance against Slovakia was just in another level. Is that because the Slovakians were terrible, or the Germans were great? A bit of both. Mario Gomez Is Germany’s top goalscorer with 2 goals.
Germany and Italy have faced each other 33 times, since their first meeting in 1923. Italy have 15 wins, Germany have won 10, and there have been 10 draws. Germany won their last meeting 4-1 in a friendly, but Italy won their last competitive meeting at Euro 2012, taking the win 2-1.
Germany vs Italy Match Betting Odds:
Germany: 2.2, 6/5, +120
Italy: 4.2, 16/5, +320
Draw: 3.0, 2/1, +200
Germany vs Italy Match Betting Tips:
This is such a tough match to call. Before the tournament, we were all writing off Italy, but come the big games, against Belgium and Spain, they were amazing, and didn’t concede a goal against two of the most attacking sides in the competition. I think the value play here is Italy to win just because they are such a big price. Germany’s defence hasn’t impressed at all during the competition, while the exact opposite is true of Italy. It seems like Italy prefer playing against sides that play open, passing, attacking football, so Germany will play into their hands, giving Italy the chance to counter attacking after soaking up all the pressure.
Germany vs Italy Prop Bets:
Now, I know we’re talking Italy here, but I’ve got a feeling this game has goals in it. Their last meeting was a goals bonanza, even if it was a friendly. An early goal will really open this up, and I thing both teams to score looks good to me, and I really love the price of over 2.5 goals, as the bookies are overpricing it purely because it’s Italy, so there’s some great value to be had.
