Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to be in Germany’s starting XI for tonight’s Euro 2012 semi-final showdown with Italy.
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Schweinsteiger is fit to play after recovering from an ankle injury, and he is confident the Germans can make the final for the second European Championships in a row.
The Bayern Munich midfielder, who is 14/1 to score first, told reporters: “Italy are a great nation, have won a lot in the past and have made a big step forward in the last two years.
“The point has come now, though, where we can beat the next big opponent.
“We've beaten Argentina, Brazil, England and Holland. The next one, we hope, will be the Italians.”
Meanwhile, coach Joachim Low wants his Germany players to dominate their semi-final as they look to book a place in the final against Spain.
Germany are yet to defeat the Azzurri in seven competitive fixtures, but Low believes his young side have what it takes to make history and set up a meeting with the reigning champions on Sunday in Kiev.
He said: “We will bring our strengths to the game. We will try to dictate our rhythm and won't let Italy show us how we have to play.
“It's a confidence thing. We have to be cheeky, strong and brave. We have to concentrate and work very hard.”
Low's side are 16/1 to win Thursday's clash 3-1, and are 6/5 to keep a clean sheet.
Possible Germany starting XI: Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira, Marco Reus, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose.
Possible Italy starting XI: Gianluigi Buffon, Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Riccardo Montolivo, Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Diamanti, Mario Balotelli.
