Reigning World Cup champions Germany will face a tough challenge from powerhouse squad Italy in the quarterfinals of the 2016 UEFA European Championship. The match is set on Saturday, July 2 at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
Germany remains undefeated in the tournament so far after the team routed Slovakia, 3-0, in the round-of-16 competitions, as per ESPN.
Three different players scored a goal each, namely Jerome Boateng, Mario Gomez, and Julian Draxler, at the eighth, 43rd, and 63rd minutes respectively to complete the three-goal haul of head coach Joachim Löw's side.
Die Nationalelf is stronger on offense this time with 6-foot-3 Besiktas striker Gomez as the focal point of attack with Thomas Müller and Mesut Özil in the playmaking duties.
Meanwhile, Italy is coming off a remarkable 2-0 upset over tournament favorites Spain in their own round-of-16 match, via SkySports.
Juventus' veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini netted the opening goal at the 33rd while Southampton striker Graziano Pellè sealed the win in stoppage time to lead manager Antonio Conte's squad to the last eight.
The Italians dominated ball possession during the match and Conte is expected to stick with the same game plan against Germany, who along with Spain are the favorites to win the Euro title this summer.
The back three and goalkeeper of Conte, all composed of Italian Serie A champions Juventus players Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, and Chiellini, is a strong foundation for Gli Azzurri that allows them to slow down the pace of their opponents.
It would be interesting to watch how Germany's offense will fare against Italy's defense and so this match is too close to call. The former has the deeper and more experienced roster plus the composure to perform in pressure situations, but the latter looks hungrier, more aggressive, and more tactical in trying to advance even further in the tournament.
The predicted result is a tough 2-1 decision for Germany if the Germans do not win on penalties. Italy has a chance for an upset if Conte and company could stick to their game plan.
Germany starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Özil, Müller, Draxler; Gomez
Italy starting lineup (3-5-2 formation): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pellè, Martins