The rivalry between Italy and Germany started in 1923, when they first met in a friendly match in Milan. In the years since, they've written important pages of the book of International football.
Unforgettable Moments
For Italian fans, this rivalry has left great memories especially on big stages like the World Cup and the European Championship. Let's start with a recent memory: 2006 World Cup semifinal. Germany was hosting the competition and was largely favored to get to the final. Marcello Lippi and his team decided to ruin their plans by winning 2-0 after 120 minutes of emotions. Both goals by Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero were amazing.
Turning back the clock to Mexico 1970, Italy and West Germany met in the semifinals in what is known as "the game of the century." The Azzurri won 4-3 in the extra time, and a record five goals were scored after the two sides finished level at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Italy then lost 4-1 to Brazil in the final.
Another World Cup, another unforgettable moment: in 1982, Italy and Germany met in the final match of the competition. The Azzurri played a perfect game and raised the third World Cup after defeating their rivals 3-0.
Last time the Azzurri met Germany in an International competition the script was much of the same. In the semifinals of the 2012 European Championship, Mario Balotelli showed the best of his repertoire by scoring twice in the first half and helped Italy win 2-1, ending Germany's 15-game winning streak.
The rivalry between these two national teams includes a total of 32 official matches, with Italy ahead in the count with 15 victories compared to Germany's 7.
The Match
Germany is expected to get the best from this game, considering the quality of their lineup, but Italy won't let them get the win easily. Antonio Conte will rely on his favorite tactical disposition, trying to take advantage of the great versatility of his team, especially at midfield. Riccardo Montolivo and Alessandro Florenzi are expected to start Tuesday night, and it is clear that their ability in the defensive phase is the main reason why Conte will choose them.
On the other hand, Federico Bernardeschi and Emanuele Giaccherini will be important for their quickness and dribbling skills, trying to take advantage of one-on-one situations on the wings to create numerical superiority on the side. According to the projected lineups, Lorenzo Insigne and Simone Zaza will have the task to help the wingers with their movements and cuts, forcing Germany's physical defenders to move and create holes in the defensive line.
Projected Lineups
Italy (3-5-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Davide Astori, Leonardo Bonucci, Matteo Darmian; Emanuele Giaccherini, Riccardo Montolivo, Jorginho, Alessandro Florenzi, Federico Bernardeschi; Lorenzo Insigne, Simone Zaza.
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Ginter, Mustafi, Hummels, Hector; Kramer, Kroos; Muller, Draxler, Reus; Gotze.