EURO 2016: 3 things to expect in tonight's Germany-Italy clash

This match has been billed as "The Final" before the Final. The Italians have been impressive so far in this competition with some stellar performances against Belgium and Spain while Germany cruised passed Slovakia to reach the quarterfinal. We want to take a closer look at what to expect in this battle of European heavyweights.

1)  Germany to mirror Italy's 3-5-2 formation. 

So far in this competition, Germany have been playing with their customary 4-2-3-1 formation and it has served them so well but there is the saying that "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" and in this case, it's the fear of Italy. Germany have never beaten Italy in a competitive match coupled with Italy's performances in this competition, my gut just tells me Germany will change their formation to mirror that of Italy as this was the case in a friendly match played way back in March which the Germans won 4-1.

2)  Expect Italy's BBBC to be decisive.

The Italians BBBC - Gianlugi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, are a riff on Real Madrid's BBC - Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo. They have so far been decisive in this tournament as Italy are yet to concede a goal in this competition. Chiellini and Bonucci have even contributed to the opposition's goal but in tonight's match it will be about preventing the Germans from scoring. We are talking about that seemingly inveterate quality Italian sides have been known for, the ability to defend.


3)  Without Daniel De Rossi and Thiago Motta, Italy will defend even deeper.

Daniel De Rossi is key to the way the Italians play but has been ruled out due to injury while his replacement Thiago Motta is suspended for this clash after the accumulation of yellow cards which has resulted in a one-match ban. Without both, expect the Italians to defend even deeper.


I just don't want to be put on the spotlight as per who would carry the day. So wherever you are, if you have the means of watching the match, just try enjoy two heavyweights play the best of European football.