Euro 2016 preview and odds: Germany vs Italy

Published on: 30/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Germany vs Italy

Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - 20:00pm 02 July 2016

Quarter-finals

Remarkably, Germany have never beaten Italy in a major tournament. Can they reverse that trend when the teams meet in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals on Saturday night?

Germany face bogey team

Germany will need to beat their bogey team in the Bordeaux on Saturday night if they are to progress to yet another major tournament semi-final. They have faced Italy eight teams in major finals but have yet to record a single win. Their most recent encounter came at the semi-final stage of Euro 2012 when Italy ran out 2-1 winners and progressed to the final - only to lose to Spain.

The teams also clashed at the semi-final stage of the World Cup in 1970 and 2006, and in the final of the 1982 edition. On all three occasions, the Germans were sent packing by the Italians. However, the Germans can take heart from the fact that they cruised to a 4-1 victory over their opponents in a friendly match back in March.

Italy have had just 35 shots on goal in this tournament but have scored a total of five goals. In stark contrast, Germany needed 78 shots to score their six goals. The Italians have also conceded more possession having spent just 46% of their time in control of the ball compared to Germany`s 64%.

Once again, it is efficiency that has paid off for the Italians, while Germany have relied on being dominant in possession. These contrasting approaches should make it an intriguing contest.

Form (all competitions):

Germany: WWDWWL

Italy: WLWWWW

Betting predictions

Germany are the reigning world champions and will start the game as favourites. However, Italy have impressed with their ruthless efficiency and have the psychological edge over their opponents.

You can back Italy to qualify by any means at 11/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 30/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (30/06/2016 13:06:25) but are subject to change.