Between injuries, suspensions and tactical shifts, we’re going to see rather different sides as Germany and Italy square off in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals. Italy just knocked out a strong-looking Spain side in the round of 16 while Germany knocked out Slovakia, and now Germany have a chance to take Italy down in a competitive match for the first time ever.
Germany vs. Italy lineups
Germany have named a lineup bent on cancelling out the advantages Italy have used as they search for their first competitive win over Gli Azzurri.
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Germany appear to be switching to some variation of a 3-5-2, looking to strengthen their back line while matching Italy’s numbers in midfield to nullify the advantage they took there against Spain. They’ll still have to plenty of firepower going forward, though, with Mario Gomez leading the line and Thomas Müller moving behind him, plus the significant creative talents of Toni Kroos and Mesut Özil playing provider.
Italy have had to make a couple of big changes as well, with Thiago Motta out suspended and Daniele De Rossi injured. Motta was on the bench in their last match but replaced De Rossi when he left with his injury -- in their place, Stefano Sturaro will start, a much less solid defensive player and one that will make Italy fans nervous as he faces the likes of Özil and Kroos.
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Benedikt Höwedes, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels; Jonas Hector, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Joshua Kimmich; Mesut Özil; Thomas Müller, Mario Gomez
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Alessandro Florenzi, Stefano Sturaro, Marco Parolo, Emanuele Giaccherini, Mattia De Sciglio; Eder, Graziano Pellè
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