After four interesting quarterfinals and one semifinal, the last faceoff before the final showdown is taking place on Thursday. Germany will be putting its best players out but only top efforts will ensure a passage to the final because the dreaded Azzuri stand in their way.

Looking at the record of accomplishment, Italy has met Germany 30 times where it won in 14 games against Germany's win in 7 games, while 9 matches ended in a draw. The last time two teams meet up was during 2006 World Cup, where Italy cracked the only goal of the match in extra time.

German football star Bastian Schweinsteiger has overcome the injury and his presence is expected in the battlefield. Playing against Greece, German team line-up was slightly changed. Schurrle and Reus entered the field in place of Podolski and Muller respectively. Striker Mario Gomez was also replaced with veteran attacker Klose. The change worked against Greece but it is unlikely to occur again.

On the other hand, Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini has also returned after an injury and could be present in the starting lineup. PSG intermediary Thiago Motta seems to be fit after thigh injury and could enter the ground in place of his teammate Ricardo Montolivo. Fitness of De Rossi and Abate is doubtful after the duo picked up injuries in the match against England, which ended in penalty shootout.

The actions starts Thursday, June 28 2:30 PM EDT and can be viewed online on ESPN Go (ESPN and ESPN3). UK viewers can watch the showdown on BBC iPlayer starting 7:00 PM BST.

Predicted Lineup

Germany

GK: Neuer

Defense: Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm

Midfield (Defense): Khedira, Schweinsteiger

Midfield (Attack): Podolski, Ozil, Reus

Forward: Gomes

Italy

GK: Buffon

Defense: Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Abate

Midfield: Motta, Pirlo, De Rossi, Marchisio

Forward: Balotelli, Cassano

What do you think? Who will win and by what margin? Leave your comments below.