Italy got absolutely smacked at Wembley Stadium three days ago by Argentina 0-3. Italy is going through a lot of struggles without important players like Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, and Federico Chiesa. I wasn’t a huge fan of starting Andrea Belotti over Gianluca Scamacca. Especially because Mancini should know to keep the Sassuolo pairing together up top. Belotti was eventually subbed in favor of Scamacca at half, but down 0-2 I felt it was too little too late. I'm hopeful we see an adjustment and the Sassuolo pairing starts together up top today.
I love Giorgio Chiellini and think he will do great at LAFC this summer. However, he is 37 and his days as a starter for the national team may be coming to an end. Argentina took advantage of poor back line play from Italy going directly at the left hand side. Causing Di Lorenzo and Bonucci both to pick up yellows. I think Germany will look to do much of the same, antagonizing Italy’s back line and throwing in a lot of crosses.
Germany is a lightning fast team who will break the opposition’s back on the counter. Timo Werner is lightning fast but struggles to keep himself on-sides at times. Thomas Muller from Bayern is one of the best setup men in the game. I absolutely love him for an assist today. Joshua Kimmich can do anything. He can defend, give service, pull up from distance, score, assist, pepper the net. Anything Germany might need to win a game, Kimmich can get it done. He’s one of my favorite players to watch, so I’m probably biased just so we are clear. Rudiger is an excellent defender and I couldn't be more excited to welcome him to Real Madrid. I love this German squad.
I think this will be an open game with goals. Something you don’t see often when talking about playing Italy. Italy typically like to keep possession and finish clinically. However I think injuries will force them to play a more open game that Germany will try and exploit.
