Germany play host to Italy on Tuesday, 29th of March at the Allianz-Arena in Munich in a much anticipated high profile friendly match ahead of Euro 2016.
Having run into a terrible run of form recently, the Germans are still licking their wounds from Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to England. Italy on the other hand, are coming off the back of an impressive display against Spain at home where they kept La Furia Roja at bay with a 1-1 draw.
Touted by the Italian press as the Partita del secolo (The Game of the Century), the two teams famously clashed with each other in the semi-final of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. On that occasion, Italy came out on top with a 4-3 win against the West Germans. Be it competitive fixtures or friendlies, the long enduring Italy-Germany rivalry always manages to produce disciplined and organised football from two of the biggest powerhouses of European football.
Predicted Lineups (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Hector, Tah, Mustafi, Rudy; Khedira, Kroos; Gotze, Draxler, Bellarabi; Muller.
Predicted Lineups (3-4-3): Buffon(c); Acerbi, Bonucci, Darmian; Florenzi, Montolivo, Jorginho, Bernardeschi; Insigne, Zaza, El Sharaawy.
Key Facts
- Both teams have played out 1-1 draws in their last two previous friendlies in Dortmund and Milan in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
- Germany’s last victory against Italy came 21 years ago in a Centenary match in 1995, and their last friendly win came 22 years ago in 1994.
- This is the first time in history Germany is hosting Italy in Munich in a friendly or a competitive match.
- Italy is yet to defeat Joachim Loew’s side in a friendly, having only defeated him in last year’s Euro semi final once.
Score Prediction
Germany 1-1 Italy
Italy are often unpredictable when it comes to International friendlies. Manager Antonio Conte is set to offer a way back into the national team for Milan’s Riccardo Montolivo who is but a shadow of his former self. Jorginho and Montolivo will have a tough time against the German midfield duo of Kroos and Khedira.
Odds (Goal.com)
Germany – 1.91
Italy – 4.50
Draw – 3.20