Dugout Discussion – Germany vs Italy

The third quarter-final of Euro 2016 gets underway at 8pm this evening as Germany and Italy go head-to-head in Bordeaux.

Having won three and drawn one of their four fixtures, Joachim Low’s side are the favourites for tonight’s encounter and warmed up for this one with a 3-0 hammering of Slovakia last time out.

Delving into the data, Germany certainly carry the greatest threat. The World Champions lead their opponents for attempts on goal by a massive 83 to 36, though have scored just one more time than Antonio Conte’s troops and netted a mere 7.2% of their scoring opportunities. Italy, on the other hand, have been far less wasteful and boast a 13.9% conversion rat,e which is the third highest in the tournament.

At the back, both sides have been hugely impressive. Indeed, Germany are the only side yet to concede and have allowed their opponents a mere seven shots inside the penalty box so far.

The Azzurri, though, have been breached on just one occasion – a 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland where Conte made eight changes to his XI.

Having sent defending champions Spain crashing out in the previous round, a buoyant Italy are more than capable of causing another upset and clinching a place in the last four alongside Portugal and Wales.