Italy should be wary of three German players in particular during tonight’s Euro 2012 semi-final, says Alessandro Del Piero.
Germany will start as favourites in Thursday’s clash, but Del Piero – who scored in Italy’s 2-0 win during the 2006 World Cup semi-final – thinks the Azzurri have a chance.
Italy should be wary of three German players in particular during tonight’s Euro 2012 semi-final, says Alessandro Del Piero.
Germany will start as favourites in Thursday’s clash, but Del Piero – who scored in Italy’s 2-0 win during the 2006 World Cup semi-final – thinks the Azzurri have a chance.
“Germany are a really compact side with excellent individual elements,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “We should be afraid of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez.
“However, Italy have proven to be even more of a solid side game after game, they have a precise team identity and they know how to take advantage of their chances.
“All I will say to the boys is good luck, that is all. I’m an athlete, I’m aware of the superstitions in the game and I know that I shouldn’t say anymore than that.”
Italy progressed to the last four after a shoot-out victory over England in a game where Andrea Pirlo was immense.
“Pirlo has been able to maintain his exceptional levels, as he has for the duration of the season with Juventus,” the 37-year-old added.
Del Piero is currently looking for a club given that his Juventus contract will expire at the end of this month. He joined the Old Lady from Padova in 1993.