Italy v Germany: All-star combined XI based on Euro 2016 form
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | July 1, 2016
Undoubtedly the crunch clash of the Euro 2016 quarter-finals is between two former European Championship winners Italy and Germany, and many have touted the victor of this match to go onto lift another title.
Ahead of this encounter on Saturday, July 2nd, Coral have picked a combined XI of the two teams.
So, read on to find out which nation features the most players…
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Straight away there was a tough decision make, as both goalies Buffon and Manuel Neuer are yet to pick the ball out of their nets.
While the German has played one match more, the Juventus legend gets in ahead of him due to his fantastic display last time out against Spain. Buffon’s saves in the last 16, especially from Gerard Pique at the death, allowed the Azzurri to advance in normal time.
Right back: Mattia De Sciglio (Italy)
Another who highly impressed last time out against Spain, although from the left side of defence, is AC Milan’s De Sciglio.
The 25-year-old is a usual right back, and his versatility has been key to Italy’s success so far.
Centre back: Jerome Boateng (Germany)
Moving into the centre back positions, Boateng has not only been crucial for Germany defensively, helping them keep four clean sheets from as many games, but also opened the scoring for them in the last 16 against Slovakia.
You can back Die Mannschaft at 5/4 to not concede in normal time once more.
Centre back: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
Likewise with Boateng, Italy are yet to let in a goal when Chiellini has been on the pitch, while he also broke the deadlock in the last 16 against Spain. He was rested for the 1-0 loss to Republic of Ireland.
As both centre backs are yet to concede, why not back a 0-0 result in 90 minutes at 11/2?
Left back: Jonas Hector (Germany)
Having played every minute of Germany’s run to stage so far and putting in some outstanding performances along the way, Hector takes our spot at left back.
The 26-year-old Cologne defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, and he’d no doubt be a great asset to whoever signs him.
Right wing: Julian Draxler (Germany)
Out on the wing, Draxler looks to be finally showing the world what he’s all about, after playing a huge part in Die Mannschaft’s last 16 win over Slovakia.
The Wolfsburg attacker scored and got an assist in that game, while has started three of Germany’s four fixtures so far this tournament, Draxler is 10/3 to to net in 90 minutes.
Centre midfield: Daniele De Rossi (Italy)
Roma warrior De Rossi has poured his heart and soul into the Italy team these finals, and it was no coincidence that Spain were back on the front foot last time out when he had to be subbed off in the 55th minute after picking up a knock.
As a result of his injury, De Rossi is now a major doubt for the quarters, but still makes this team based on his past Euros performances.
Centre midfield: Toni Kroos (Germany)
From midfield destroyer to playmaker, Kroos would be the perfect partner for De Rossi in the centre of the park, and like compatriot Hector has been an ever-present at the tournament.
The Real Madrid star provided an assist in Germany’s opening game against Ukraine, and has since been a calming presence for Joachim Low’s men.
Left wing: Emanuele Giaccherini (Italy)
Sunderland-owned wideman Giaccherini has mainly played in centre midfield these finals, but is more adept on the wing and so that’s where we’ve put him.
Despite his switch of positions, he’s been one of Italy’s main men so far, and has gained a goal and assist, against Belgium and Spain respectively.
Striker: Graziano Pelle (Italy)
Southampton striker Pelle also played a big part in downing both the Red Devils and La Roja, as he netted in each.
Although perhaps not seen as fashionable as other Italy strikers in the past, the 30-year-old is certainly performing like a tournament winner.
Striker: Mario Gomez (Germany)
Partnering Pelle up top is another frontman of similar ilk, Gomez, who’s bagged a pair of goals this tournament too.
The Fiorentina forward’s strikes came in the last two games, against Northern Ireland and Slovakia, so he’s 7/4 to continue his run and net anytime.
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