Germany will play Italy or Spain in the quarter-final.
And I think it will be Italy.
I reckon it’s Antonio Conte time.
Conte’s new Italy play with a ferocity that’s never been seen before.
The Italian national team has been tactically superb before, ruthless before, has often played stylishly with a hint of violence hovering just below the surface.
The main component of the Latin personality is pride and Conte’s pride makes him demand an intensity from his Azzurri that is, I believe, unprecedented in Italian football history.
I saw Prandelli’s Italy in Pescara and they were smoother, much nicer to watch.
But they did almost zilch in Brazil : beat England 2-1, lost 1-0 to Costa Rica and Uruguay, came home.
Conte’s team lacks the talents of yesteryear but they defend better than Spain do.
Nolito is NOT a special sttriker and the Juventus boys could mark Morata in their sleep.
That leaves Iniesta and Fabregas trying to open up Italy.
Those two are amazing midfielders. But Conte might stop them.
Cant wait for 5pm. PS Will post teams and further comment here just after 4pm.