Germany U21 vs Italy U21 Predictions

• Germany have won all three matches at the tournament, including a 2-1 victory over reigning champions England
• Italy have played to type, settling for 1-0 wins over Romania and Slovakia and only coming out against Spain after conceding
• Germany have won their last two matches against Italy at this level, 2-1 and 4-2

Germany can get the better of a typically cautious Italian team at the European Under-21 Championships and secure a semi-final berth on Sunday. Antonio Di Salvo, a German coach with an Italian-sounding name, has a talented group of players at his disposal and they are full of confidence after three impressive group wins.

The Germans beat the low blocks of Romania and Slovakia to open their campaign with six points and then hit England on the counter-attack to complete the set in Group B. Their ability to switch gear has been impressive and in Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, they could have unearthed a future superstar.

Woltemade has bagged three goals in the tournament and could make the difference against the young Azzurri too. He is a 6ft 6in battering ram with a silky touch and dribbling ability in tight spaces.

He could be a nightmare for an Italian defence that is used to denying opponents space because he seemingly doesn’t need any. Italy’s results so far have been classic tournament stuff, they shut up shop after scoring against Romania and Slovakia before only venturing forward against Spain after they had fallen behind.

They will not change now the knockout stage has begun, but Germany’s ability to score early goals may mean this match features more goals than any of the Italians’ recent games. Back Germany to win with Woltemade on the scoresheet and at least three goals in the game.