The lineups for the match were as follows:
Germany: Neuer, Boatang, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Podolski, & Gomez.
Subs: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Schurrle, Klose, Muller, Bender, Mertsacker, Gotze, Reus, & Zieler (Yes, the bench does sound more German than the starting 11).
Italy: Buffon, Balzaretti, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Montolivo, De Rossi, Balotelli, & Cassano.
Subs: Sirigu, Ogbonna, Thiago Motta, Abate, Di Natale, Giaccherini, Borini, Giovinco, Diamanti, Nocerino, & De Sanctis.r
Referee: Stephane Lennoy (France)
Germany is said to be the favorite of the match. And the event started off with Gigi Buffon hugging Philipp Lahm and Michael Neuer in tunnel. As the anthems were sung, Italy looked more pumped up for the game. Captians Buffon and Lahm delivered respect and diversity messages. A match as important as this could really stir up some violence from true hooligans. For those who didn't catch the match, Germany wore white jerseys, black shorts, and white socks and the Italians sported blue jerseys, white shirts, and blue socks.
Italy kicked off the match. In the 3rd minute Germany took a corner which was in inches of scoring. Buffon misread the play and Pirlo saved it on the line. A strong performance by each side until one took the lead. Chiellini picked up the ball on the left and dished it out to Cassano. Cassano squeezed between 2 German defenders before crossing it to Mario Bolatelli. Bolatelli outjumped Badstuber for the header and it was in. Italy went 1-0!!! The Germans brought on the pressure, but still couldn't capitalize on their chances. In the 35th minute, the Germans took a corner which Buffon punched away. The ball found its way to Montolivo, who hit Bolatelli on the spot with a 60 yard lobbed through pass. Mario Bolatelli managed to stay onside by a hair and rushed to the net to blast a shot for a goal, however, he got booked with a yellow card for ripping off his shirt in the celebration. The first half certainly wasn't expected and fans eagerly wait to see if Germany has a response in the 2nd. Italy leads 2-0 at the half.
To start the half, Germany took a strategic approach. Podolski (arguably perhaps their best player) comes off for Reus and Gomez comes off for Klose. In the 50th minute Germany is looked much better than they did in the first half. Before the match, the gossip was that Germany was the dominant team, however Lahm's shot is over the net. Germany got more chances, but still, couldn't finish. In the 58th minute, Italy made a sub. Cassano came off for Diamanti. The game progressed a bit and Germany looked like they were in shape to score, but it was still 2-0. The favor switches sides and Bolatelli is alone. He worked his way into the box to miss the shot across the goal wide. In the 64th minute Italy subbed Thiago Motta in for Montolivo. Italy passed it around in the midfield to receive pressure from the Germans. Diamanti took a crack nearly from halfway and gets an angry look from Bolatelli. Bolatelli seemed to be cramping, but it was unsure. His hat-trick was cut short in the 71st minute as Bolatelli came off and on went Di Natale. The next minute Germany took their final sub. Boatang came off for Muller. Italy slowed down the play and Neuer forced a throw in. The game continued, and Germany couldn't get a break. No chances have gone in their favor. Italy kept looking more and more dangerous. Diamanti took another go for a goal, but struck the ball just wide of the post (82nd minute). Soon after Di Natale beat the offside trap and he was all alone! He slowed down and defenders caught up. His hit went to the side, striking the side of the goal (83rd minute). The game went on and finally a chance went in favor for Germany. Klosed tugged Balzaretti. The ball hit off the Italian's chest and hit his elbow in the box. A penalty kick was initiated for Germany. Ozil took the shot and scored!!! 2-1, Italy still in the lead. With plus 4 minutes, Germany was unable to capture the last goal.
What a game for Italy. Buffon looked shaky early on, but Mario Bolatelli is the hero today. Italy takes on Spain for the Euro 2012 Championship in Kiev, Ukraine!
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