European powerhouses Germany and Italy will lock horns in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 at Bordeaux. This will be their fourth meeting at the Euros and their ninth meeting at a major tournament. Germany are yet to register a win over Italy at a major tournament as in their last eight meetings and have drawn four times and lost four times.
Both teams will be coming at the back of comprehensive victories in the last 16. While Germany thrashed Slovakia 3-0 at Lille, Italy beat holders Spain 2-0 at Saint-Denis. Both sides have been impressive in the tournament so far and their meeting at Bordeaux is bound to be an exciting encounter. With both sides preparing for the all-important game, let’s take a look at five players to look out for.
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1) Toni Kroos
The Real Madrid midfielder has established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation through his passing accuracy, set-pieces and his ability of set up goals. Kroos began his tournament with a man-of-the-match performance against Ukraine where he broke up the play really well and set up attacks from the middle of the park in addition to providing the free-kick which led to Germany’s opening goal in an eventual 2-0 victory.
Kroos has been in consistent form in Germany’s remaining group games and through his versatility, he has also been able to shield the German defence. The German’s ability to orchestrate the flow of the game along with his versatility makes him a very crucial player for the side ahead of their quarter-final meeting with the Italians.
2) Graziano Pelle
Italy may finally have found a quality centre-forward in the Southampton man as he has been Italy’s top scorer in the tournament so far. Pelle’s accurate finishing makes him a brilliant marksman and his stature makes him a serious aerial threat.
The 30-year-old has been one of Italy’s best players in the tournament so far, having scored twice against Belgium and Spain with both of them being volleys coming in stoppage time. He has been Italy’s biggest goal threat throughout the tournament and has linked up well with Eder up front.
Pelle’s presence in the attack along with his aerial abilities will be required immensely now that Italy are up against World Champions Germany in the quarter-finals.
3) Manuel Neuer
The German goalkeeper is currently regarded the best in his position due to his agility and incredible reflexes.The Bayern Munich shot stopper has been the only goalkeeper in the entire tournament who hasn’t conceded yet.
Neuer, who has been donning the captain’s armband in place of the benched Bastian Schweinsteiger has been equal to whatever the opposition has thrown at him so far.
Germany’s backline has been very disciplined and as a result, the opposition haven’t been able to take too many shots at goal but whenever they found some space to shoot, Neuer was always there to rescue Germany.
Neuer could face his biggest challenge of the tournament when Germany face Italy in the final eight and there is a good chance his shot-stopping abilities will be put to test as the match might go all the way to a penalty shootout.
4) Gianluigi Buffon
One of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, Gigi has had a pretty decent tournament so far as Italy have never conceded in the three matches which he has played. The 38-year-old is playing in his final European championship and so far has been up to the mark.
In Italy’s round of 16 clash against Spain, the latter tested Buffon time and again with their relentless attack but the Juventus custodian foiled them every time through his shot-stopping ability and amazing reflexes.
Italy’s backline has been one of the best of the tournament so far and now they will be facing a German side who are resilient at the back but quite dangerous up front and Buffon will be required to maintain his consistent performance if Italy are to make it to the semi-finals.
5) Giorgio Chiellini
Italy have always been known for their defence and in this summer’s European championship, the story’s no different. The Azzurri backline which is marshalled by Giorgio Chiellini has been one of the best throughout the tournament and has conceded only one goal so far. The Juventus centre-back has been one of the best defenders of the tournament so far with his tenacity and his aerial attributes.
Throughout the tournament, Chiellini has formed a formidable partnership with fellow Juventus centre-backs Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. Chiellini was in top form in Italy’s previous match against Spain as he continuously prevented the likes of Silva and Morata from attacking and scored the opening goal of the match which was his seventh for the national side.
Chiellini will have to be at the top of his game when Italy take on Germany as his experience and versatility will be required to keep the Germans at bay.
