Germany vs. Italy: Complete Preview for Euro 2012 Semifinal

Germany and Italy will meet in second semifinal of Euro 2012. Bleacher Report is looking to provide a complete preview of this intriguing match.

It will be the two sides first meeting since they played in the semifinal of the 2006 World Cup where Italy won and went on to win the tournament.

Both sides will already know their opponent for the final but will certainly be focused on this game and should provide some interesting moments for viewers.

Here is a complete preview of this semifinal match between Germany and Italy

How They Got Here

Germany

The Germans waltzed through the so-called "Group of Death," defeating Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark on their way to topping their group. They then beat Greece emphatically to get to the semifinal.

Germany have racked up nine goals and conceded four on their way to the semifinal.

Italy

The Italians tied with Spain and Croatia before defeating Ireland on the way to second place in their group. They were unable to make a breakthrough against England and had to wait until penalties to assure their spot in the semifinal.

Italy have scored four goals and conceded two on their way to the semifinal

Team News: Germany

Germany had seemingly no reason to worry heading into this game with Bastian Schweinsteiger speaking about his ankle problems. The Bayern Munich midfielder has since announced himself fit for the game.

Currently on a world-record 15 game winning streak, Germany will be supremely confident going into this game.

Team News: Italy

Italy will be hoping that Giorgio Chiellini wins his race for fitness to face the Germans, and there are injury worries about two other players.  Via UEFA.com

"

"Prandelli's primary concern is the fitness of his players, who only have a three-day turnaround before going again. There are doubts over midfielder Daniele De Rossi (sciatica) and right-back Ignazio Abate (muscle),"

"

As far as other players are concerned, Christian Maggio will be one definite miss for the squad due to his collection of yellow cards, and Alessandro Diamanti will remain on the bench despite his cameo and match-winning penalty.

Projected Lineups

Unless they are suspended or severely injured, players usually do everything to make sure they get on the pitch. It is likely that these lineups will remain as they are.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Bender, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Ozil, Reus; Gomez

Italy 4-3-1-2): Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio; Montolivo; Balotelli, Cassano

Head-to-Head

Germany and Italy have played each other 30 times, and the Italians lead the series with 14 wins. Germany has seven wins to its name, and the teams have tied nine times.