Preview: Quarter-final - England vs. Italy

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 23 June 2012

England face Italy tomorrow night for the right to face Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2012. Here, Sports Mole has previewed the encounter in Kiev.

It would be fair to say that neither of these nations have lit up the tournament with their similar style of football.

Nevertheless, both head into tomorrow's quarter-final in Kiev with impressive results under their belts and unbeaten records.

England headed into this tournament with many tipping them to not go beyond the final eight of the competition. However, two wins and a draw from their three group matches has seen the expectation levels rise on Roy Hodgson's side.

Hodgson has not made many changes to his starting lineup during the tournament and the former Fulham and Liverpool boss has been widely tipped to name the same team that defeated co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 last time out.

That would mean that the likes of Andy Carroll, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would be forced to settle for a place on the bench.

Italy's major selection dilemma appears to surround the controversial Mario Balotelli. The Manchester City striker was dropped for the last group match against the Republic of Ireland, only to come off the bench and score.

Reports have in Italy have claimed that he will now regain his place from Antonio Di Natale.

England and Italy have met once before at the European Championships, with the Azzurri emerging as 1-0 victors.

Current form:

England: LWWDWW
Italy: LLLDDW

Possible lineups:

England: Hart; Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole; Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Young; Welbeck, Rooney

Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, De Rossi, Bonucci; Ciaccherni, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Maggio; Balotelli, Cassano

Sports Mole says: 0-0 - Italy to win on penalties