Germany will take on Italy in the second semifinals of the Euro Cup 2012 and expect the match to be a cracker. Going by the current form, Germany hold an edge going into the match. But then the way Italy dominated France in the last match, nothing much can be predicted.

Both the teams have some good players at their disposal and the outcome of the match would depend on how these players perform in the match:

Here are some of the players to watch out for in the match:

Germany:

Mario Gomez: He came into the tournament with great form and has already scored three goals in the tournament. He did not start in their last match against Greece but then might get a go in tonight’s match. If this young striker lives up to his reputation and is able to break free, he could run riot in the middle.

Thomas Mueller: He had a good run in the German Bundesliga, but could not exhibit the kind of football in the tournament like he did for Bayern Munich this season. He is a player of great quality and Italy would know it. He is sure to give the Azzuri defence some hard time in the match if he starts or whenever he comes in.

Philip Lahm: Italy would not only be wary because he would stand in their way on the right flank but also due to the full back’s ability to move forward and penetrate the opposition defence line. He scored brilliant goal in the last match and the skipper is sure to play a pivotal role in the match.

Italy:

Mario Balotelli: The biggest name currently in the Italian Football, Balotelli is extremely talented and has been an integral part of the Manchester city squad that won the EPL this season. He is extremely dangerous and would be leading the Azurri’s attack. He missed few opportunities in the previous match but would try to make amends in tonight’s important tie.

Di Natale: After a decent season with his club Udinese, Natale he has been a livewire in the tournament. He is a natural goal scorer and in all likelihood partner Balotelli up in the front. Croatia would be wary of him and will definitely have a strategy for him.

Andrea Pirlo: Stylish, cheeky, and classy. Actually no adjective is enough to describe this Italian hero. Best part about his game is that he never gets wrong with whatever he tries to do with the ball in between. He would hold the key for the Azzuri’s in the match.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhary

Indian Sports News