Agreed on that analysis, as always Dosto.

Italy must be humble. I think that's the simplest way I can put it regarding this match. Conte knows tactical humbleness better than most coaches so I think he'll get these guys approaching this match in the right mindset.

Most importantly though, Italy must have a perfect match against Germany if they are going to get through this one to the next round. I personally think Germany are still a tad soft out wide with their untested full-backs, but Italy only use wide play when it suits them so not sure how much advantage that gives them, if any at all. Everywhere else, it must be said that the Germans may have even overmatched them.

That said, I won't underestimate the grinta this Italy side has. Conte's side rarely get blown out so if they go down today, they're going to do it in fairly scrappy fashion.

As for Germany, I'm curious whether their misfiring attack can get it together against one of the best back lines in the tournament, on paper. Plenty of quality there, but not a lot of form, not that I think that'll stop guys like Muller burying a chance if he gets one, but this is not the defense they tore apart back in March.

Always a fascinating fixture. Obviously rooting for Italy though.

Excellent point regarding the different back-line used in the friendly. Chiellini's absence in particular was huge, especially against a foe like Mueller. They're both essentially hybrids, one caught between attack and midfield, the other between central defence and fullback. Physically similar and both emblematic of their sides, it's a duel that's almost symbolic of the greater game occurring around them.

http://www.football-italia.net/86707/german-paper-mammas-boys

Newspaper BZ Berlin stirred up tonight’s Germany-Italy quarter-final by poking fun at the Azzurri players’ mothers.

The Euro 2016 clash kicks off in Bordeaux at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

Berlin-based paper BZ has taken the rivalry a little far with a front page splash declaring: ‘Not even your Mamma can help you now.’

There are photographs of several mothers of the current Italy squad.

Germans tend to typecast Italians as ‘Mamma’s Boys’ and restaurant owners, as shown by Bild’s menu of various food puns to prepare for the big game.

Bless the German media, writing Conte's pre-game address for him.

One last thought, before I try and get some sleep prior to kick-off.

One thing I truly loved about our performance against Spain was that we attacked them from the very beginning of the match, unlike a game such as Sweden where we only seemed to wake up in the second half.

We certainly paid the price for our exertions however and there was a marked change in our energy levels after 65 minutes. This was likely also a pragmatic decision to risk less given our position in the game, as we did still muster some excellent situations on the counter, but the effect of our first half was evident.

With the oldest side in the competition, even with Conte's fitness regime, I fear that if this contest goes to extra-time, we won't have the legs to go all the way, particularly with a thinner bench for this game. In fact, our lack of midfield options might actually force us to go all out with a switch to a 3-4-3 if bodies start falling on the pitch, which might be a blessing or a curse.

Here's hoping the sight of Conte raging on the touchline is enough to give our players a second wind. Him kicking the ball in anger against Spain is thus far my play of the tournament.

Italy with a 1 goal win.

My mind won't even be able to process this today though.

Löw once again has a weirdly elaborate game plan against Italy...

It's 3 at back against Italy's two striker system. Smart move I would say, infact Spain should've switched to 3 at back against Italy.

Germany going for 3-6-1. Going to be a very interesting game tactically.

Low He benches his best attacking player (Draxler) because he's trying to prove he's a tactical genius. What a clown. If I were German, it would make me cringe just like Roger Lemerre did back in the day for me.

Wtf is that 4-4-2 Kimmich

UEFA got it wrong ^^

Is De Rossi on the bench? Or did he not recover in time for this huge match?

On bench . Sturaro to play lol
I begin to feel enough tension now ffs i am going to watch to jumbotron at place now , there are also many German tourists
Good match to anyone

I hope that both Gigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer will excel.

What the hell is that lineup supposed to accomplish?

Confuse everybody?

chat pls

cagey

Germany approached the game right. Spot on tactics but Kimich and Ozil are not suited to this formation.

Kimich is shit and to top it off has a punchable face.

Kroos largely ineffective. Probably needs more space or need Italy to go down to 10 men

It's actually a very interesting game because both coaches are afraid to even contest the midfield where it's 3v3. Both teams are playing these safe but usually impotent passes down the flanks where it's a 1v1.

The funny thing is the first team to switch to a back 4 will probably win, but both coaches are so stubborn I can't see either of them doing it

Adit wrote:Kimich is shit and to top it off has a punchable face.

Fun fact: Joshua Kimmich was born in Rottweil, so you can say he is a Rottweiler

Kimmich is so crap. He cant cross, he cant defend, he cant win headers. What other use does he have?

OZILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Grande Gigi there to deny Gómez!

Ozil running the show