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Preview: Semi-final - Germany vs. Italy

Preview: Semi-final - Germany vs. Italy
© PA Photos
Sports Mole looks ahead to Thursday's semi-final clash between Germany and Italy at Euro 2012.

Following Spain's penalty-shootout victory over Portugal, Germany and Italy will battle it out in Warsaw on Thursday night for the right to take on the defending European champions in Sunday's final.

Amazingly, Die Mannschaft have never triumphed over the Azzurri at a major tournament.

However, Joachim Low's are the favourites to make it through following an impressive five straight wins at the tournament.

That said, the Azzurri know how to spoil a party following their exploits against England last weekend and they will be looking to do the same again in this round.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to be fit for the match after suffering a hamstring problem, while Miroslav Klose could retain his place in attack instead of Mario Gomez.

Marco Reus and Andre Schurrle are also likely to start in attack following their performances against Greece in the quarter-finals.

Italian coach Cesare Prandelli is able to choose Giorgio Chiellini after a hamstring injury, but Daniele De Rossi and Ignazio Abate are both thought to be nursing minor knocks. Thiago Motta could return, while Christian Maggio is suspended.

Current form:

Germany: LWWWWW
Italy: LLDDWW

Possible lineups:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Reus, Ozil, Schurrle; Klose

Italy: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Balzaretti; Marchisio, Pirlo, Nocerino; Motta; Balotelli, Cassano

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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Written by
Jack Prescott

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