Euro 2012: five classic tournament matches between Germany and Italy including the 'Game of the Century' One of the heaviest defeats at the hands of Italy could not have come at a worse time for the West German squad. Having snuck through the first group stage as the strongest of three teams on goal difference and later defeating France by the slightest of margins at a penalty shoot-out, the Germans were humbled by a second half onslaught by an Italian team hungry for their third World Cup. Three goals down, Paul Breitner scored a consolatory goal for West Germany, but the Italians had the game sewn up to win their first world title in 44 years. West Germany 1-1 Italy - Euro "88 Group match A draw seemed the fairest result between sides which both went on to qualify from their group on equal points. Roberto Mancini, now manager of Manchester City, gave Italy the lead with his first ever international goal after a deadlocked first half. The host nation weren't behind for long however, as Pierre Littbarski touched an indirect free kick into the path of Andreas Brehme who scored from a deflected shot. Both nations then lost in the semi finals, Italy to the Soviet Union and West Germany to eventual winners Holland. Italy 0-0 Germany - Euro "96 Group match A victory of sorts for the Germans over the Italians. With Germany leading the Group C with progression already guaranteed, Italy needed a win in their final group match in order to avoid missing out on the qualification spot to the Czech Republic. An early penalty miss from Gianfranco Zola was to become the defining moment for Italy, as they continued to squander chances in search of a lead. The German's star man, goalkeeper Andreas Köpke, saved a number of chances, including the penalty, and was forced to work harder still as Thomas Strunz saw red for a second yellow card. The goal never came and the Czech's 3-3 draw with Russia gave them the goal difference needed to progress to the quarters at Italy's expense. Italy 2-0 Germany aet. - World Cup "06 semi final Germany lit up a tournament they hosted with such style - but were knocked out in what was probably the game of the whole competition. With neither side able to break the deadlock after regular time, it took a curling effort from Fabio Grosso to give Italy the lead in the final minute of extra time to halt the impending penalty shoot-out. Italian legend Del Piero then put the final nail in the German's coffin with a glorious chipped effort, in a match which saw the ageless Andrea Pirlo take man of the match. Having defeated the host country, Italy then went on to record a 4th European title after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out against France.