Comments on: Germany vs Italy Euro 2012 predictions: soccer history on Italy’s side

By: Martin

Martin — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:29:59 +0000

There is a reason why Germany is the most successful and consistent football nation in Europe. 3 world cups and 3 Euro cup titles all since 1954. Don’t ever count the Germans out. They have surprised many times in the past! With a more matured German team since 2008/2010 it would be fantastic to see a rematch against Spain at a more even strength.

By: Maya

Maya — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:29:49 +0000

Go Germany! History means nothing. It’s practise, practise and practise. With a little bit of luck, Germany will do just fine. I love Germany. Good Luck for tonight’s game.

By: Davide Longo

Davide Longo — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:31:14 +0000

This article must be written by somebody that doesn’t understand the concept of football. Italia were very unlucky not to beat Spain, we switched off for 1 second and very good teams punish you. Again Croatia, dominated the first half and made them look woeful but didn’t score enough goals. The second half of this match was Italy’s worst in the tournament, but we hung in there and got a result. The Irish game was tough for Italia, the Irish had nothing to lose and were ‘Gung Ho’ throughout the game.

England, other than watching Spain and Barcelona, I have never seen a team dominate a game with as much possession. Top class azzurri. My only concern would be clinical strikers, Balotelli, although strong and flashes of magic isn’t international quality, Cassano not fully match fit so I believe Di Natale would offer more up front. Pirlo magical and dictates our play, De Rossi outstanding, Buffon still best in the world, Barzagli and Bonucci looked comfortable against England, liked Abate and Nocerino too. Montolivo and Marchisio need to become more of an attacking threat and create more for the strikers or play alongside the strikers. Put Thiago Motta back in and we will be fine against the Germans. Remember 2006 on their turf AZZURRI 2-0 GERMANY

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:03:08 +0000

There are only two survivors from the World Cup 2006 match against Italy on the German side – Lahm and Klose. This is a whole new German squad that can beat Italy. I predict a 2-1 win for Germany.

By: Ozzy

Ozzy — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:40:45 +0000

The same was said about the semi-final match between Germany and Italy in the World Cup of 2006 in Germany, that Germany would beat an evidently weaker side in the Italians. But, we all remember the last minute goals in extra time by Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero that put Italy in the finals against France, also the same year Italy had won their 4th World Cup title. Germany has always proven weak against the counter-attack. It’s what surprised them in their 4-2 victory over Greece. That game was mostly decided on ball possession rather than shot opportunity, seeming that Germany had countless opportunities that they didn’t bury in the back of the net. And Greece that was being dominated clung to their opportunities and at least made their mark on the scoreboard, with the blistering counter-attack from Samaras, and the penalty of Salpingidis.Let’s remember that Greece is no Italy. Italy is not a team that is knocked over quickly, they’re not a team that is easily dominated. Italy has the X-factor in this match, they have all the right ingredients to stun this German squad. And on the other hand Germany have the right components to put a quick end to the Italian dream, to the run for their second Eurocup title. History is on the side of the Italians, there’s a reason why a game between these two is considered the ultra-classic.

By: Helmuth

Helmuth — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:40:35 +0000

You can always count on Italia to be either in the final of a big tournament of win the damn thing. I don’t think it will be any different this year.

That fan’s opinion is spot-on: Italy always plays with heart, also- they are brilliantly organised as always and they know how to win matches. From what has been seen of them in the tournament thusfar, this is what you can basically expect from Italy most of the time and you’d not peg them as favorites, but lo-and-behold- they reach the finals.

My prediction: Italy to win it by a goal in extra time or to win it on penalties.

By: Mia

Mia — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 06:44:37 +0000

The fact that Italy had over sixty percent possession and yet still failed to convert any goals speaks poorly of this Italian team. Based on how Italy has been performing, and Germany by comparison, it isn’t too bold a statement to say that on paper the Germans have to ability to tear Italy to shreds.

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 06:36:33 +0000

When Germany play Italy in the semifinals, they shall look back at the game against Greece. A lightning counter attack really caught the German defence off guard and failed to intercept the attack effectively. The German back line must be quick to defend the danger zone.

By: UKidding?

UKidding? — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 05:59:47 +0000

Ridiculous article. Completely biased towards Germany. Albeit they may be the favorites, but Italy deserves much more respect than being called “a rather easy opponent”. Italy tied Spain and put up a great performance. Had Balotelli taken his chances, Italy could have won the game. Against England, Italy had over sixty percent possession and over thirty shots on goal. The game against Germany will be very open, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go either way.

By: Totti

Totti — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 05:59:34 +0000

You clearly know nothing about football. The performance against spain (holders of both WC and EC) was very good. They dominated Engalnd and were not “lucky” to win.