World champions Germany will be looking to break their Italian hoodoo when they host the Azzurri at the Allianz Arena this week. The Germans last beat Italy in a competitive fixture way back in 1995 and are low on confidence following a shock 3-2 loss to England at home a few days ago. The England result means that Germany have lost three out of their last four international games and with only friendlies against Slovakia and Hungary to come after the Italy fixture, time is running out for Low to get things right ahead of Euro 2016
The last time Germany beat Italy- 21 June 1995
Against England, Germany raced to a 2-0 lead and then took their foot off the pedestal, and Roy Hodgson’s young side scored thrice in the space of half an hour to stun the home fans. Striker Mario Gomez echoed the sentiments of most of the German fans when he said “We have to be clear that a game like that in a tournament (Euro 2016) means you’re going home”
Against England, Germany sorely missed injured Bayern defender Jerome Boateng, and it is worth noting that things got worse for them after his defensive partner Mat Hummels went off injured too. Boateng and Hummels are Germany’s first choice defensive pairing and without them, things look shaky, especially with the current form of the full backs- Emre Can and Jonathan Hector. Can’s poor outing at right back means that Sebastian Rudy and Matthias Ginter will both come into contention for the game against Azurri.
With Bastian Schweinsteiger constantly battling with injuries, the onus on midfield will fall on Sami Khedira, captain against England in the United star’s absence, and Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan. Khedira plies his trade in Italy for domestic giants Juventus, and will be well aware of how tactically prepared the Azzurri will be.
Upfront, Mario Gotze will be keen to show that he deserves a spot in the starting lineup, with Gomez likely to make way for him. There is plenty of attacking talent, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus, Karim Bellarabi and Thomas Muller all available.
Last used lineup by Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Hector, Rudiger, Ozil, Khedira, Kroos, Can, Gomez, Muller, Reus
Germany recent results
Scotland 2-3 Germany
Ireland 1-0 Germany
Germany 2-1 Georgia
France 2-0 Germany
Germany 2-3 England
The Italians drew 1-1 with reigning European champions Spain in their last game. However Andrea Barzagli has joined Giorgio Chiellini on the sidelines and that leaves only one member of Juventus’ famous BBC trio in the squad- Leonardo Bonucci. When Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli have started together, Juve have lost only 4 times in 63 league games. National manager Antonio Conte would have loved to bank on the solidity of the trio to keep Italy’s great record against the Germans going, but they will have to do it the hard way, and in front of a 75,000 partisan crowd in Munich.
Italy recent results
Azerbaijan 1-3 Italy
Italy 2-1 Norway
Belgium 3-1 Italy
Italy 2-2 Romania
Italy 1-1 Spain
Last used lineup by Italy: Buffon, Bonucci, Darmian, Astori, Motta, Candreva, Giaccherini, Parolo, Florenzi, Pelle, Eder
Despite Italy’s incredible recent record against Germany, which includes wins at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2012, many punters have Die Mannschaft as favourites. For example, a look at the odds on William Hill Australia has Germany at 1.90 and Italy at a very attractive 4.50.
What happened at Italy’s last meeting with Germany?
They drew 1-1, with Abate scoring for the Azurri and Hummels netting for Germany.
Germany v Italy, Allianz Arena, Munich- 29 March, 2016- 19.45 UK KO