Germany's Least Favorite Opponent
Football has its own special laws, and one of them is Italy always wins against Germany. Germany have never beaten Italy in a competitive match - here's a look back at a history of frustration.
A grim record for Germany
As far as major tournaments are concerned, Italy is Germany’s bogey side. The rivalry between the two football nationsstretches back to the 1960s, and the Italians have won half of the battles outright. In eight tournament matches, Italy has won four and drawn four, while Germany are winless.
Euro 2012 Semifinal - Germany 1-2 Italy
This match was all about Mario Balotelli. The enigmatic striker headed in the opener in the 20th minute and then fired in his second with an astonishing long-range effort. The image of a shirtless and defiant Balotelli celebrating the goal is now an iconic image.
World Cup 2006 Semifinal - Germany 0-2 Italy
This defeat hurt more than any other since it came during Germany's home World Cup. The game was goalless after 90 minutes and went into extra time. With the contest looking headed for penalties, left back Fabio Grosso scored with a fine effort in the box. Alessandro Del Piero added a second, and Germany’s dream of winning the Cup in front of their home crowd crumbled.
World Cup 1982 Final - Italy 3-1 West Germany
As reigning European champions, Germany entered this match as the favorites. But after a goalless first half, Italy scored a treble in 14 minutes thanks to Paolo Rossi, Marco Tardelli and Alessandro Altobelli. Three-nil down, the Germans attempted a fightback but could only manage a Paul Breitner consolation goal. It was Italy’s World Cup win.
World Cup 1970 Semifinal - Italy 4-3 West Germany
This seven-goal thriller has been dubbed the ‘Game of the Century’. Roberto Boninsegna opened the scoring early for Italy and they held the lead up until an injury-time equalizer by defender Karl-Heinz Schnellinger. The teams traded leads in extra time, but Italy finally clinched victory in the 111th minute thanks to a Gianni Rivera heartbreaker.
World Cup 1962 Group Stage - West Germany 0-0 Italy
The first competitive fixture between the two countries ended in a goalless draw. It was not the most exciting of openers in a tournament more famous for the violent antics of the Italians in a later game against hosts Chile. However, it did set the stage for a fledgling rivalry..
Euro 2016 Quarterfinals - ? Germany - Italy ?
So is there anything that suggests Germany will get a win in their ninth try against the Azzurri? Well, last March the Nationalmannschaft did thump the Italians 4-1 in Munich, with Mario Götze among the goalscorers, Unfortunately for the Germans it was only in a friendly. But as the old saying goes: If at first you don't succeed...versuch es noch einmal.