Germany VS Italy Match Prediction

Italy have not lost to Germany in their last eight meetings in major tournaments, so the world champions have to overturn a daunting head-to-head record if they are to progress here.

The nations met in the semi-final of the European Championship two years ago, when a pair of stunning goals from Mario Balotelli saw the Azzurri through with a 2-1 win. Balotelli's brace on that dat announced him on the world stage, but the striker's career has failed to fire since and he is not included in the Italy squad for this year's finals.

Italy have only lost once in eight games against Germany in all competitions, but that defeat was a 4-1 loss in the most recent meeting, in March.

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Germany v Italy: Prediction

Italy have been the most impressive team at the finals so far, with Antonio Conte's men extremely well-drilled. Their tactics have been spot-on, with pace on the break making them very dangerous. But Germany's defence has also been fantastic, so both teams could be hard to break down. In addition, arguably the top two goalkeepers in the world - Manuel Neuer and Gianluigi Buffon - are on show, so a close match looks on the cards here.

Germany v Italy: Betting Tips

Germany have been made favourites for this tie and they are available at 5/4 to win the game in 90 minutes, with Italy priced up around the 3/1 mark and the draw offered at 2/1. The world champions are just 4/7 to go through to the next round and there is a lot of value in Italy's odds of 8/5 to make it to the semi-finals. A tight game seems inevitable so under 2.5 goals appeals at 1/2 despite the low price, while the 6/5 on a winning margin of a single goal is outstanding value.

World champions Germany have had a very settled team throughout the finals, with Jerome Boateng being passed fit for their easy win over Slovakia in the last round. Coach Joachim Low is likely to name an unchanged team for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Italy.

Mario Gomez has scored in both matches since he was added to the German team and he will continue up front against an Italy defence that has only conceded one goal in the finals. However, Germany's defence has been even meaner - they have kept four clean sheets out of four games.

Germany likely XI: 

Neuer, Howedes, Boateng, Hummels, Hector, Khedira, Kroos, Muller, Ozil, Gotze, Gomez.

Italy's outsider status continues for this game despite their wonderful performance in a 2-0 win over Spain in the last round, dumping the holders out. Antonio Candreva could be fit to return after missing that victory, with the all-Juventus back line retained. Alessandro Florenzi could be the unlucky man to make way if Candreva is passed fit, or he could shift to the left wing-back role, with Mattia De Sciglio dropping to the bench. Thiago Motta is suspended.

Italy likely XI: 

Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Florenzi, Eder, Pelle.

Germany are understandably the favourites, but Italy have revelled in their underdog status. If they can beat the European champions, they can beat the world champions. A close battle is expected in this heavyweight clash, but the Azzurri have the quality to come out on top, although they might need extra-time to squeeze into the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Germany have never beaten Italy in their last eight tournament meetings