NEW DELHI: Argentina legend Diego Maradona (pic) feels Italy have a chance to beat hot favorites Germany in the semi-final of Euro 2012 tomorrow (2:45am)

Despite a clinical attacking display in the quarter-final against a relatively weak Greece team, Maradona believes the Italians should take confidence from the two goals Joachim Loew's side conceded.

Maradona wrote in his Indian Times column: "Coach Loew favors an offensive team. He likes his team to push up the field, to play quick, and take advantage of lapses in opposing defences.

"If one can pick a weakness in the German machine, it’s the defence.

"Against Greece, a quick counter-attack by Dimitris Salpingidis and Giorgos Samaras, exposed Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber, and Philipp Lahm, and beat a surprised goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. If Greece can score on this German defence, so can Italy."

Maradona, 51, also believes hot-headed striker Mario Balotelli will prove key to the success of Cesare Prandelli's side and the Manchester City man must explode into life and fire his country into a final clash with Spain.

"The Italian strikers Balotelli and Antonio Cassano have scored only one goal each in this championship," said Maradona. "Against England, the strikers had eight chances, two posts and zero goals.

"This, despite excellent opportunities that came their way. The Italians will try to achieve control, defend with order, and hope that Balotelli can finally explode," said Maradona.


- mD