Prediction: Germany vs Italy

Having been stunned by England at the weekend, Germany will need to put a much better performance if they are to get back to winning ways against another high-profile European team. Italy were held by Spain last week, but will be eager to repeat the inspired performance one again when they travel to face the World Champions.

Germany

Joachim Low’s charges will need to make significant improvements ahead of the Euro 2016. The reigning world champions have been fairly unconvincing during their qualifying process and their stuttering form continues. Having ended 2015 with a 2-0 loss in France, Die Mannschaft began 2016 with another defeat. Despite going two up against England on Saturday, Germany were dealt a huge blow as the Three Lions put in a scintillating performance to come back from behind and win 3-2 in the middle of Berlin. Germany ambitions have been given a proper reality check and Joachim Low is aware there is a long road ahead of him in order to prepare his team for the 2016 European Championship finals. Germany lacked movement and flair in their play against England and Die Mannschaft have generally displayed lack of confidence and composure to pair the inspired English. Germany are now ahead of another stern test against Italy and hosts will be under huge pressure to pick up the pieces and record a morale-boosting win over Antonio Conte’s men. If anyone is capable of rising back from the dead than it is Germany and we are surely in for an exciting match.

Team News

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been ruled out with injury, while Max Kruse was left out of the squad for disciplinary measures.

Mustafi and Draxler didn’t get a chance against Italy and could be given a starting berth this time as Low is keen on shaking up his squad a bit.

Italy

Azzurri will be travelling to Germany high on confidence following their Tuesday’s clash with Spain. Italy were held to a 1-1 draw but have put an impressive performance against the European Champions from 2012. Antonio Conte is willing to make a statement in his final spell at the helm and his Italy is really a joy to watch. Conte’s charges lost only twice since their group-stage elimination from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and will be regarded among top favourites to lift he European title this summer in France. Italy and Germany last met in 2013 when they shared spoils in a 1-1 draw and it has to be noted that Azzurri are coming off from two consecutive draws, against Romani and Spain, respectively, so we should keep that in mind. Germany have never beaten Italy before, at least not since 1962 and there have been seven draw between the two sides in 12 games since that year. Conte’s men will be motivated after their inspiring performance against Spain and Italy will not back down in front of the new challenge in their efforts to get back to winning ways.

Team News

Lorenzo Insigne could be given a starting berth following his impressive performance against Spain, while Jorginho could also be in line for a starting berth.

Mattia De Sciglio has been added to the squad after the game with Spain and could be involved to some extent.

Key Factors to Consider

• Germany lost two matches on the bounce, three of the last four
• Italy lost only two of their last ten matches on the road
• There have been over 2.5 goals in Italy’s four of the last five games
• Die Mannschaft failed to keep the clean sheet in 8 of their last 10 clashes
• Germany failed to beat Italy in their 12 games so far

Conclusion

Germany are under pressure and will need to pick up the pace and improve their performance in front of the anticipating home crowd. On the other side, Italy are in fine form and will be keen on taking one major scalp in their Euro 2016 preparations. It is very hard to separate the two sides, but there is good value in betting on goals.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet365