The semifinal round of Euro 2012 wraps up on Thursday when Germany and Italy go head-to-head at National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. The winner will advance to Sunday's final in Kyiv, Ukraine against defending champion Spain.

The two national sides last met in February 2011, playing to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. The most recent competitive match between the clubs was also in Dortmund, a 2-0 Italy victory in extra time in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup.

The two goal-scorers for the Italians in that match, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Grosso, have since retired from international competition, but the Azzurri have a capable complement of forwards, led by Mario Balotelli. The Manchester City star is one of four Italians to score in the tournament, a group that also includes Antonio Di Natale, Antonio Cassano and Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo also leads Italy with two assists in the tournament.

Germany, meanwhile, was the only team to win all three of its games in the group stage, despite being in the "Group of Death" with the Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal. They followed that up with a 4-2 rout of Germany in the quarterfinals, with four different players finding the back of the net for Germany. Not included in that number was Mario Gomez, who entered the match late as a substitute, but still shares the tournament lead with three goals.

The pressure in this match is largely on Italy. The Azzurri are arguably the least impressive of the four semi-finalists at Euro 2012, having advanced out of Group C with a win and two draws, then playing a scoreless draw with England through 120 minutes before advancing on penalties. Italy has been getting by, but it will take a more decisive effort to get past an exceptionally potent German side. Look for Germany to finally avenge that World Cup loss Thursday in Warsaw.

SWR Prediction: Germany 2-1 Italy