Over the course of the international break, football fans around the world have been treated to quite a few high-profile clashes, with the Netherlands taking on France and Germany squaring off against England, for example. And on Tuesday evening, viewers will be in for another treat as Germany feature in their second titanic tie in just three days as the reigning World Cup champions prepare to welcome Italy to the Allianz Arena.
So ahead of yet another big game, we take a look at five stats and facts. Some might be well known, others, not so much. Here we go:
1. Familiar foes
This will be the 33rd meeting between die Mannschaft and gli Azzurri, and it is Italy with the historical advantage. In their 32 prior meetings, Germany have won seven times, Italy 15, and the other ten finished as draws. If one includes the games between Italy and East Germany the record stands as one win for each side and two draws, but all in all, it is readily apparent who has enjoyed this contest more.
2. Should Germany beat Italy, it will be a long time coming
June 21, 1995. That was the last time Germany defeated Italy, a 2-0 victory in a friendly contested in Zurich, so should they overcome their hoodoo at the Allianz Arena, it will be the first victory for the reigning World Cup champions in nearly 21 years.
3. And speaking of beating them…
So, out of their seven wins, how many times have the Nationalelf beaten Italy in a competitive tournament? Zero. Yes, that’s right: Germany have never beaten Italy in an actual competition. Their last meeting was at EURO 2012, in which they were knocked out in the semi-finals by…yes, you guessed it, the Azzurri.
4. Winning is even sweeter when it’s on your opponent’s home turf
Each of these two teams have won a World Cup in their opponents’ proverbial back yard, so to speak. In 1990, Germany lifted the title on July 8th in Rome, much to the chagrin of that year's hosts. However, Italy got some measure of revenge 16 years later as they clinched their fourth World Cup title on July 9, 2006 in Berlin.
5. A long history of success on the world stage...but there is one trophy that has eluded both
Not surprisingly, given their long and glittering histories, Germany and Italy are two of the most successful national teams in the world. Between the two of them, they have won eight World Cups (four for each country) and four EURO (3 titles Germany, only one for Italy). But interestingly enough, neither Germany nor Italy have never won a Confederations Cup title, with the best ever finish for each side being third place in 2005 and 2013 respectively.
With the EURO 2016 tournament just around the corner, these two teams could come face to face, which would give Germany yet another opportunity to try to win their first ever competitive game against Italy. However, that is all hypothesis, and for now, these two highly celebrated sides will meet yet again in a friendly clash in just a few days. Will either come out on top? Or will they make it draw number 11?
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