EURO 2016, Quarterfinal, I am so happy to see 5 Italian Serie A players in FRANCE vs ICELAND official lineups on Sunday 3 July 2016 for the UEFA Euro 2016 at the Stade de France in Saint Denis, France at 21:00.
NOTE highlighted in red: There are 2 Italian Serie A players in the official starting lineups with France and 1 among the subs. 2 Italian Serie A – B in Iceland lineup
Midfielders:Emil Hallfredsson (Udinese), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea), Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff), Theodor Elmar Bjarnason (AGF), Arnor Ingvi Traustason (Norrkoping), Birkir Bjarnason (Basel), Johann Gudmundsson (Charlton), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Molde), Runar Mar Sigurjonsson (Sundsvall).
Forwards : Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (Nantes), Alfred Finnbogason (Augsburg), Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (Kaiserslautern).
Note: Italia Serie A & B Players highlighted in red
UEFA EURO 2016 Quarterfinals
France -Iceland
Sunday 3 July 2016
Stade de France
Saint Denis, France
Referee: Björn Kuipers (NED)
Assistant referee: Sander van Roekel (NED) and Erwin Zeinstra (NED)
Additional assistant referee: Pol van Boekel (NED) and Richard Liesveld (NED)
Fourth official: Milorad Mažić (SRB)
Antonio Conte defined his farewell to the national team by stating that it’s not his final goodbye. After beating the reigning champions Spain, Italy matched World Champions Germany by giving their all and more. Italy’s eventual elimination only came via a penalty shootout.
“It was a fantastic experience,” commented Conte after the final whistle. “To coach Italy gives you a major thrill. We are disappointed now after being knocked out, I mostly feel sorry for the players. This is not my final farewell.”
The bitterness following elimination is matched by the pride in his team’s performance who were able to react after Özil gave Germany the lead and who went seriously close to qualifying for the semi-final: “It’s a shame because our players gave their all against a very strong side. We could have prevailed, they are an outstanding team but I’m proud of what the boys did. I’m proud of their hard work and the attachment they showed to the shirt. The way has been paved, I leave an important legacy and I am sure that things will carry on for the better.”
After scoring a penalty during the game, Leonardo Bonucci was denied by Neuer in the shootout, but that doesn’t spoil his great UEFA EURO 2016 showing: “We had said that from the very beginning: if we have to go out, we want to do it with our heads held high. And we did so. All the people that participated in our adventure, from our manager and our president to all of the players, proved to be real men and they gave their all. We want to thank all of our fans for providing us with so much enthusiasm. We took it to the pitch and I hope they are proud of us.”
Gigi Buffon played another fantastic game, unfortunately his saves couldn’t help the Azzurri the reach the semi-finals. The Italy ‘keeper left the pitch in tears: “A route has been set out. Now we have to carry on this way, because we did all that we could. After an evening like that, there’s nothing to blame yourself for. We’re just sorry to be going home.”
Andrea Barzagli was also clearly upset after the final whistle: “We are all very frustrated, because we have given our all.” Marco Parolo also agreed: “We have helped each other as much as possible, unfortunately that was just not enough. We made life very hard for the reigning World Champions.”
It was a penalty shootout that condemned Italy to elimination after a game played with heart and character with the Azzurri matching the World Champions throughout. Italy’s captain Gigi Buffon left the pitch with tears on his face after an extraordinary performance along with his teammates. Germany managed to break their curse against Italy in major tournaments and progress to the semi-finals, whilst the Azzurri leave the tournament with many regrets; at the same time, they can feel proud because they were able to win the hearts of the Italian supporters.
Conte and Löw staged a real chess match on the pitch changing one player each compared to the starting XIs chosen in the round of 16. Sturaro replaced De Rossi in midfield, with Parolo acting as playmaker and Florenzi and De Sciglio on the flanks. As usual, Eder and Pellè played up front. Löw somewhat surprisingly picked Höwedes in place of Draxler and changed his formation by opting once again for a three-man defence as in the friendly held in March. Gomez started at centre-forward with Müller and Özil playing around him.
The Azzurri, who took to the pitch wearing black armbands in memory of the victims of the attack in Bangladesh, were supported by thousands of vocal Italian fans at the Stade de Bordeaux. Müller and his teammates began by directing the game and going forward with ten men when in possession and pressing the Azzurri immediately to try and win back the ball. Conte expected a German team in better physical condition than Spain and it was indeed what showed out on the pitch. Despite losing Khedira in the 15th minute due to injury, with Schweinsteiger replacing the Juventus midfielder, the game went on just like it had begun. It was Schweinsteiger who headed past Buffon in the 27th minute, but Kassai correctly disallowed it after a foul on De Sciglio. Italy performed in a very disciplined fashion, trying to take advantage of the opposition’s mistakes and without conceding. As a matter of fact, Germany’s first attempt on goal came in the 41st minute. Kimmich made an error after 30 minutes and De Sciglio made a run on the left side but Italy’s forwards were late to his delivery into the box. Both teams had a chance in the final stages of the first half. Müller’s attempt from close range was easily saved by Buffon, whilst Sturaro’s shot from the edge of the box was crucially blocked by Boateng.
The two best defences of UEFA EURO faced each other and both teams struggled to create chances. The first big one was for Germany after nine minutes into the second half, but Müller’s shot from close range was deflected by Florenzi. Kassai booked Sturaro, De Sciglio and Parolo within a few minutes, while Germany took the lead half way through the second half: Gomez found Hector on the left flank, who fed Özil to make it 1-0. Buffon was conceded his first goal at UEFA EURO 2016, but kept Italy alive a few minutes later by denying Gomez who had a great opportunity to double the lead. The German striker left the pitch shortly after and was replaced by Draxler, who helped Germany see more possession. As the game seemed to be safely in Germany’s hands, Boateng gave away a penalty by touching the ball with his hands after a Chiellini header. Bonucci kept his cool and fired past Neuer to make it 1-1 and score his fourth goal for the Azzurri. The fans became very loud in the stands, Buffon encouraged his teammates from the penalty area and Conte decided to substitute Florenzi with Darmian. Germany had another chance halfway through extra time, but Draxler couldn’t quite connect with the ball. Insigne came on with seven minutes left to play, but couldn’t make a real impact on the game. So it all went down to the penalty shootout: Zaza, who had come on 30 seconds before the final whistle, shot over the bar, before Buffon saved from Müller and Özil hit the post. Pellè shot wide, and Bonucci and Schweinsteiger also missed their respective chances. Unfortunately, it was Darmian to make the decisive error, while Hector shot past Buffon to give Germany a place in the semi-final. Italy leave the tournament with their heads high and they were sung off by the Azzurri fans.
It’s a sad day for Italian football. Germany defeating Italy in penalty shootouts in the UEFA Quarterfinal on Saturday 2 July 2016 at the Stade Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. Germany had never beaten Italy in eight past tournament meetings until today. Germany will face the Semifinal against the winner of France vs Iceland.
Players making their entrance to the pitch and my heart is pounding so fast!!!!! I am shouting Forza Italia!!!!! Are you?
National anthem… Fratelli d’Italiaaaaaaa Buffon, Conte, Barzagli singing proudly L’Inno di Mameli. Tears of joy flowing nowwwww come on Italiaaaaa Italian fans waving their flags to support the Azzuri.
Germany Captain Neuer and Italy Captain Gigi Bufon shaking hands and we are set.. game on…….
Italy pressing and chances for Stefano Sturaro sending a clear message “Italy is ready to battle.” In the 3rd minute, Sturaro with a right footed shot though missing the target. Yet. we have immediately, in the 4th minute a corner conceded by Jérôme Boateng.. Taking the corner is Alessadro Florenzi…. Germany clearing…..
Come on Italiaaaaa
In the 12th minute, a clash between the two Juventus players…. Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini and Germany Sami Khedira…. Khedira on the ground… he is up now …… Yet, Khedira making a sign he cannot continue… injury….
In the 14th minute, there it goes again Alessandro Florenzi challenging goalkeeper Neuer though he saved!!!
Germany making the first substitution in the 15th minute. Sami Khedira cannot continue for injury and is replaced by midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Khedira just cannot make it……..
Ooops.. in the 23rd minute, delay…. a clash and forward Citadin Eder is bleeding after an elbow by Jerome Boateng don’t worry.. now… Eder is back after getting medical treatment.,
Oh my gosh… Scary moment… in the 27th minute, Germany scoring and is ruled out…. Schweinsteiger has pushed Italy winger Mattia De Sciglio in the back briging him down and Italy have a free-kick.
Germany Head Coach Joachin Low giving a helping hand to Italy Emanuele Giaccherini after falling..
We are still 0-0…… 37th minute….
Oh my goshhhhh scary… in the 41st minute, Germany closer to the goal after … though his headed shot goes high missing the target…. come on Italiaaa let’s gooooo
Germany pressing…. and our defense must wake up…. In the 42nd minute, first attempt is by Toni Kroos with a right footed shot missing to the right. Action still going on… Super Buffon… Gigi saving with both hands …. Thomas Müller delivering a right footed shot and Buffon saved in the center. The assist is by Joshua Kimmich.
Italy pressing… and it’s just U N B E L I E V A B L E.. Sturaro missing the chance to scoreeeeeeeeee in he 43rd minute.. his right footed shot is blocked, and I am just shouting COME ON ITALIAAAAA
Stats in the first half: Leonardo Bonucci doing a great job helping Italy keep Germany out. Bonucci making six clearances, two interceptions and won a tackle as he moved up 12 places to 28th overall.
First half ending 53% ball possession Germany and 47% ball possession Italy
Photo: twitter.com/UEFAEURO
Second half starting………
In the 48th minute, Mattia De Scigio found himself in space down the left before crossing to Eder … oh well… no goals yet…
In the meantime…. Italy substitutes Darmian and Zaza starting to warm up……
Oh noooo In the 53rd minute, Thomas Muller with a left footed shot closer to the goal though fast enough Alessandro Florenzi running to clear the danger deviating the ball off the line …. corner for Germany. Good job Florenzi….
First yellow card of the match in the 57th minute is for Sturaro after protesting… bad news because Sturaro will miss the next match.
It seems Italian players are getting nervous… better to calm down. In the 59th minute a yellow card to midfielder Marco Parolo after a bad foul on forward Mario Gomez .. Parolo’s foot is high hitting Gomez on the back.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO In the 65th minute, it is Germany to open the score with Mesut Özil defeating goalkeeper Gigi Buffon with a left footed shot in the bottom left corner.
Wake up Italian defense… In the 68th minute, a miraculous save by Buffon from close range denying a goal to Mario Gomez… come on Italiaaaaaa
In the 72nd minute, Germany making a substitution. Mario Gomez leaving for injury and replaced by Julian Draxler
Oh gosh… 74th minute, Italy closer to the goal…. De Sciglio making the pass to Graziano Pelle but missing the targetttttttt
Waitttt hellooooo that’s a penalty!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah, in the 77th minute Referee confirming the penalty conceded by Germany Jérôme Boateng with a hand ball in the penalty area……. oh no, mamma miaaaaa what a game! I am so nervousssss.. Taking the penalty spot is Leonardo Bonucci…. Mamma miaaa… come on Bonucci… I am praying… here he goes Bonucci with a run, pause, and bammmmmm GOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Bonucci converting the penalty with a right footed shot while goalkeeper Neuer attempts to save going to the right direction but nothing to do, the ball goes in the bottom right corner and join me to shout GOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Italy waking up after the goal. In the 81st minute, Graziano Pellè has a shot blocked…. but we are reacting…. come on Italiaaaa
Italy making a substitution in the 87th minute. Alessandro Florenzi is out and Matteo Darmian in.
89th minute, and closer to the goalllllll De Sciglio his right footed shot hitting the side of the net. missing not by muchhhhhhhhhh
In the 90th minute, Referee giving a yellow card to Mats Hummels after a foul on Citadin Eder.
Three minutes stoppage time…. and we are going to extra time as the score remains 1-1.
We are going to extra time……
In the 91st minute, Referee giving a yellow card to Graziano Pellè and will miss the next match.
Oops… in the 93rd minute foul by Thomas Müller on defender Giorgio Chiellini … Müller protests while goalkeeper Buffo and Bonucci try to calm him down ….
In the 96th minute, Bastian Schweinsteiger commits a foul on Stefano Sturaro.. free kick Italy… come on Italiaaaaaa
In the 103rd minute, Referee giving a yellow card to Emanuele Giaccherini for a dive, though he protests saying it was not.
End of the first extra time……..
Starting the second extra time….
In the 107th minute, Italy making a substitution. Citadin Eder is out and forward Lorenzo Insigne in.
In the 112th minute, referee giving a yellow card to Bastian Schweinsteiger
Come on Italiaaaa…. In the 113th minute, there it is… fresh Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne with a left footed shot challenging goalkeeper Neuer though saving in the bottom left corner. The asssiste by Graziano Pellè. Come on guysssssssss
Wow…. saved! In the 119th minute, Özil challenging Buffon and he saves with both hands.
Italy substitution in the 120th minute. Defender Giorgio Chiellini out, and Zaza in.
We are going now to penalty shootouts…..
Italy: Lorenzo Insigne GOOALLLLLLL converting the penalty with a right footed shot sending the ball to the bottom right corner.
Germay: Toni Kroos….. goalllll converting the penalty with a right footed shot!!! Oh goshhhh
Italy: Simone Zaza NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Zaza with a left footed shot sending the ball too highhhhh Zaza desolated while Bonucci comforts him.
Germany: Thomas Muller ….. Buffon saved!!!!!! Müller delivering a right footed shot while Buffon saved in the bottom right corner.
Italy: Andrea Barzagli … GOOOALLLLLLLL converting the penalty with a right footed shot in the bottom right corner.
Germany: Ozil hits the post!!!!!!! Mesut Özil delivering a left footed shot hitting he right post!!!!!
Italy: Graziano Pelle failedddddddddd too slow and outside the net
Germany: Draxler GOOALLLLL Buffon goes to the other side
Italy: Leonardo Bonucci and Neuer saved!!!
Germany: Bastian Schweinsteiger failing sending the ball highhhhh
Italy: Emanuele Giaccherini GOOOALLLLLLL
Germany: Mats Hummels GOOALLL despitee Buffon going to the right direction
Italy: Marco Parolo GOOALLLLLLLL converting the penalty with a right footed shot in the high center!
Germany: GOALLLL Joshua Kimmich converting the penalty with a right footed shot!!
Italy: Mattia De Sciglio GOAALLLLL converting the penalty with a right footed shot sending the ball to the top left corner.
Germany: Jérôme Boateng GOOALLL with a right footed shot in the bottom left corner.
Italy: Matteo Darmian with a right footed shot … Neuer saves in the bottom right corner.
Germany: Goalllll Jonas Hector converting the winner penalty with a left footed shot despite Buffon going to the right direction in the bottom right corner.
The EURO 2016 dream is over. Sadly, Italy eliminated… Yet, I want to thank our Azzurri for their efforts. Our heart and support always with you guys, Forza Italia!
EURO 2016: Top scorers in this EURO 2016 before the match.
Germany
Goals
Goals
Italy
Gomez, Mario
2
2
Pelle, Graziano
Boateng, Jerome
1
1
Chiellini, Giorgio
Schweinsteiger, Bastian
1
1
Eder
Mustafi, Shkodran
1
1
Giaccherini, Emanuele
Draxler, Julian
1
Stats. Here are the last 3 games of GERMANY: 2 wins, 1 draw
26/06/16
EC
Germany – Slovakia
3:0
Round of 16
21/06/16
ECGC
Northern Ireland – Germany
0:1
Matchday 3
16/06/16
ECGC
Germany – Poland
0:0
Machday 2
Stats. Here are the last 3 games of ITALY: 2 wins, 1 lost
27/06/16
EC
Italy – Spain
2:0
Round of 16
22/06/16
ECGE
Italy – Ireland
0:1
Matchday 3
17/06/16
ECGE
Italy – Sweden
1:0
Matchday 2
Viktor Kassai refereed the first game of the EURO 2016 between France and Romania.
Kassai also took charge of Italy’s 1-0 win over Sweden on June 17 in Toulouse and had previously officiated Italy’s Euro 2012 group-stage match against Spain on June 10, 2012.
EURO 2016: Italy 23-man Squad
Goalkeepers: 1 Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), 13 Federico Marchetti (Lazio), 12 Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain); Defenders: 15 Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), 19 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), 3 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), 5 Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (West Ham); Wingers: 21 Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), 6 Antonio Candreva (Lazio), 4 Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), 2 Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), 22 Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma); Midfielders: 16 Daniele De Rossi (Roma), 8 Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), 23 Emanuele Giaccherini (Bologna),10 Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), 18 Marco Parolo (Lazio), 14 Stefano Sturaro (Juventus); Forwards: 17 Citadin Martins Eder (Inter), 11 Ciro Immobile (Torino), 20 Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), 9 Graziano Pellè (Southampton), 7 Simone Zaza (Juventus).
*Players on stand-by: Marco Benassi (Torino), Alex Meret (Udinese), Daniele Rugani (Juventus) and Davide Zappacosta (Torino)
EURO 2016: Germany 23-man Squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schuerrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04)
NOTE: Italian Serie A player highlighted in RED
Photos of the match Germany vs Italy courtesy by facebook.com/NazionaleCalcio
Italy official starting lineup against Germany
Italy’s anthem….. L’Inno di Mameli
Photo: facebook.com/anna.italia.96
Anna Italia supporting the Italian National Team
Italy dressing room before the match … everything is ready… Game on…
Italy Captain and goalkeeper Gigi Buffon
Germany – Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira challenging Italy forward Citadi Eder
Italy defender clearing the danger
Italy eliminated, yet, our Azzurri gave us wonderful time and battled until the end… Grazie ragazzi. We love you.
Photo: facebook.com/NazionaleCalcio
UEFA EURO 2016 Quarterfinal
Germany 1 – 1 Italy
Saturday 2 July 2016
Stade Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
21:00
Referee: Viktor Kassai (HUN)
Assistant Referees: Gyoergy Ring (HUN) and Vencel Toth (HUN)
Additional assistant referee: Tamas Bognar (HUN) and Adam Farkas (HUN)
Fourth official: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Here are Germany vs Italy official starting lineups on Saturday 2 July 2016 for the UEFA EURO 2016 Quarterfinal at the Stade Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.
Goalkeepers: 1 Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), 13 Federico Marchetti (Lazio), 12 Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain); Defenders: 15 Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), 19 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), 3 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), 5 Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (West Ham); Wingers: 21 Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), 6 Antonio Candreva (Lazio), 4 Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), 2 Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), 22 Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma); Midfielders: 16 Daniele De Rossi (Roma), 8 Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), 23 Emanuele Giaccherini (Bologna),10 Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), 18 Marco Parolo (Lazio), 14 Stefano Sturaro (Juventus); Forwards: 17 Citadin Martins Eder (Inter), 11 Ciro Immobile (Torino), 20 Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), 9 Graziano Pellè (Southampton), 7 Simone Zaza (Juventus).
*Players on stand-by: Marco Benassi (Torino), Alex Meret (Udinese), Daniele Rugani (Juventus) and Davide Zappacosta (Torino)
EURO 2016: Germany 23-man Squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schuerrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04)
NOTE: Italian Serie A player highlighted in RED
UEFA EURO 2016 Quarterfinal
Germany – Italy
Saturday 2 July 2016
Stade Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
21:00
Referee: Viktor Kassai (HUN)
Assistant Referees: Gyoergy Ring (HUN) and Vencel Toth (HUN)
Additional assistant referee: Tamas Bognar (HUN) and Adam Farkas (HUN)
Fourth official: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
By Anna Italia
France – Iceland 
