Italy against Germany sees two four-time World Cup winners pitted against each other. On Tuesday (20:45 CET), a classic counter is on the cards for Joachim Löw’s side. The two sides have already faced each other twice this year, with Germany gaining the upper hand on both occasions. The most recent of those wins being the penalty shootout win in the EURO 2017 quarter-final in Bordeaux – just one of many dramatic games between the nations. DFB.de takes you through all the facts and figures ahead of the game.
Italy ahead on the head-to-head: In the 34 games between the two sides from 1923 to 2016, the Italians have come out on top on 15 occasions. Only England (16 times) have beaten Germany more times. Meanwhile, Germany have won eight times against Italy, with the two teams playing out eleven draws. In the last 20 years, Die Mannschaft have one just one game in 90 minutes out of nine. That solitary win was in the 4-1 friendly in March of this year. Germany have won just two of the eleven games played on Italian soil, playing out two draws and seven defeats in the process. The last win in Italy came on 5th February 1986, with a 2-1 win in Ayellino. Both sides’ biggest wins against one another, have been by three goals. In March 2006 under Jürgen Klinsmann, Germany lost 4-1 in Florence, while the Italians lost 5-2 to Germany in November 1939 and 4-1 in March of this year.
Big game: It’s been just 135 days since Germany and Italy faced off in the tense game at EURO 2016. In the quarter finals of the tournament, Jonas Hector took the decisive penalty (and 18th) penalty of the game in Germany’s favour, ending the Italian curse at the same time. Previously, Germany had lost all four knockout games against Italy at either a European Championships or a World Cup, the most recent of which was a 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals of EURO 2012.
Form: Germany’s only defeat in their last 12 games was against France in the EURO 2016 semi-final. They have won nine and drawn twice in that series of games. Löw’s side have gone on to win all five of their games since the defeat in France, keeping clean sheets in all of those games. Should Germany beat Italy without conceding, they will beat a record set in 1966. Italy, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last 18 home games (nine wins and eight draws). On September 1st, Giampiero Ventura’s side lost 3-1 to France.
Milestones and records: Thomas Müller is just one goal away from equalling team manager Oliver Bierhoff’s Germany goalscoring record. If Müller adds to his 36 goals from 82 games, he will join Bierhoff, who scored 37 goals in his 70 games, in 10th place on Germany’s all time goalscoring list. Joachim Löw recorded his 95th win as head coach of Germany in the 8-0 victory over San Marino. He now has more than any other previous Germany head coach.
Four stars for Italy: Italy were crowned world champions in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006 and as a result have four stars on their shirt like Germany. Only Brazil have been more successful, with five titles. Italy also won the European Championships in 1968. Gianluigi Buffon is their record international player, with 166 appearances to his name to date. The 38-year-old is in the squad once again to face Germany for his country, who are currently ranked 13th in by FIFA compared with Germany, who lie in second place.
Italy with their new coach: Giampiero Ventura took over the role as head coach from Antonio Conte after the European Championships in the summer. The 68-year-old began his career as a youth player at Sampdoria, but he only went on to play in the Italian fourth division. Ventura has however done well as a coach in Italy. He has managed 19 clubs, including Serie A sides such Napoli, Sampdoria, Udinese as well as FC Turin. He is yet to win a major title.
Memories of the Guiseppe-Meazza Stadium: Germany have an excellent record at the ground of Milan’s top clubs, AC and Inter Milan. Germany have won five of their eight matches here. Alongside two draws, Germany have lost just once in Milan, which was on 5th May 1940. The Guiseppe-Meazza Stadium is also closely associated with the World Cup triumph in 1990. The world champions, coached by Franz Beckenbauer, played all three of their group matches there, the unforgettable last-16 match against the Netherlands and the quarter final against the Czech Republic at the San Siro.
Unbeaten since 1925: Milan is also strong territory for Italy. They are unbeaten in the fashion capital in 43 matches, with 32 wins and 11 draws. Their last defeat in the city dates back to 18th January 1925 in a 2-1 loss against Hungary, which took place at the Campo di Viale Lombardia. Italy are yet to lose in the Guiseppe Meazza Stadium.
On the 15th November: On this exact day 80 years ago, Italy and Germany played out a 2-2 draw in a friendly in Berlin. Otto Siffling scored both of Germany’s goals (35’, 40’). The two teams also met on the 15th November three years ago. That particular game in Milan also ended in draw, with Mats Hummels (8’) and Ignazio Abate (28’) ensuring a 1-1 results between the two sides. It was the 100th game under Joachim Löw. The 15th November 1989 was a special day for Germany, as they secured their passage to the World Cup in Italy, with a 2-1 win over Wales, thanks to goals from Rudi Völler and Thomas Häßler. A draw wouldn’t have been enough for Germany.
