Italy

Italy's coach, Cesare Prandelli, is unhappy that an already physically strong Germany has had two extra days to prepare for Thursday's Euro 2012 semifinal.

"It's a problem that UEFA must consider for the next European Championship," he said on Monday.

"To play a semi with this small gap does not help the spectacle."

Daniele De Rossi and Ignazio Abate limped out during the energy-sapping 120 minutes against a burly England in Kiev, potentially leaving Prandelli without his most combative midfielder and only eligible rightback against the Germans.

Italy's other rightback, Christian Maggio, will be suspended after picking up a second tournament booking while centerhalf Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Thiago Motta have minor niggles.

Prandelli fears Germany's fit and young side could be an insurmountable object given its quality on the ball and extra rest, even if it has never beaten Italy before at a major championship and lost the 2006 World Cup semi to its rival.

"We meet an athletically strong team. We have to play the game on the small weaknesses that they might have. It's a difficult game where right until the last minute the result will probably be in the balance," he said.

Reuters

(China Daily 06/27/2012 page23)