More on Giroud, Freddie Speaks and the Dark Horses in the Finals

Many will label Italy’s semifinal victory over Germany as an “upset”, but both there was a bit more to the Italian triumph.
Gianluigi Buffon was in inspired form, the defensive combo of Andrea Barzagli and Leandro Bonucci was impregnable, the full backs maintained their balance, Andrea Pirlo was his imperial self and Super Mario was on fire.
However, it started with some German attack as Pirlo spared Buffon’s blushes with a goalline clearance while more miscommunication between the legendary goalie and Barzagli would have resulted in an embarrassing own goal.
Italy drew first blood when Antonio Cassano made mince meat...