It's true that for the tactics buffs this is a veritable feast, but there's little of of the verve we've seen from the best games so far here. 

A flash of danger as Mario Gomez almost connects with a diagonal ball in. He can't bring it down or get enough on it to threaten, toe-ending it high in the air so Buffon can gather.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC One

Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich are really nullifying the Italy wing-backs, pushing them right back. Joachim Low's tactics are working so far. 

It's quite remarkable to see Germany's tactical change. Italy's system is very difficult to work out, he obviously feels he needs to match it. Although it's slightly different, Germany are playing with two sitting midfielders, and Italy are playing with one.

Image source, EPA

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Bordeaux

Sami Khedira had started well and this is a blow for Germany. It puts some uncertainty into their minds anyway. 

He's not a bad sub to have though is he? But can Schweinsteiger last if this game goes to extra time?

Fantastic is not quite the word I'd use Al... But with everything at stake it's still compelling. 

Bastian Schweinsteiger hasn't started a game since 9 January...

Image source, Reuters

Stelio: Are we seeing the death of 4-2-3-1?

Alan McD: This is like a giant chess board right now. Fantastic watching football like this.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC One

It's a real shame to lose a player of that quality, but there's another one coming on. He's got plenty of experience.

Image source, Reuters

Here he goes. Khedira off and Bastian on. Can he manage the rest of 120 minutes in that defensive midfield role? He's taken the captain's armband, too.

Huge roar goes up from the Germany fans. Popular guy still...

Sami Khedira's down with what could be a muscle problem. Is it his thigh he's holding? He goes off a little gingerly, then comes back on, but it looks like Bastian Schweinsteiger's about to replace him.

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Bordeaux

Marco Parolo has checked the run of Sami Khedira twice now. He has that responsibility to track the run and he's started very well.

He's the one who has to nullify the German attacks.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Bordeaux

Italy manager Antonio Conte - who moves to Chelsea once this Euro 2016 is done - has been one of the personalities of the tournament.

And he is already making full use of his technical area to get his message across to the Italy players.

Italy pressing. Germany patient. Anticipation sky high.

Image source, AP

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC One

The Germans if they lose it are working really hard to get the ball back and stop Italy mounting an attack.

Italy boss Antonio Conte never sits down, he's obsessive about giving information to his team.

Image source, AP

Here's Mesut Ozil's entrance into the game, dancing across the back four. He looks to play it in behind the Italian defence but there's no way through. 

It's cagey stuff, this. I think the most interesting thing so far has been both teams pressing so high for the other's goal-kicks. Surely there's a German word for that?

Again Joshua Kimmich is really high up the pitch. He's an outlet there but this little inside ball looking for Thomas Muller is over-hit. 

Buffon goal-kick and Germany do the same as Italy did to them; there are four white shirts pretty much on the edge of his penalty box...

Image source, EPA

Briyan: Italy's formation looks like a strange 3-3-4. Italians are tactical masters, however. Never take anything away from them

John Pierce: Can Pelle actually head the ball with that much hair gel on his head? Bound to take a funny bounce if he tries to.

Damian Atkins: Buffon vs Neuer two amazingly wonderful keepers. Can't see many goals in this one tonight.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC One

Emanuele Giaccherini's movement forward is excellent - nothing like the player we have seen playing for Sunderland, he's much better than that.

Image source, reu

Another corner and Italy play this one short and back, they want to get a feel of this, but as it goes to the far side Giorgio Chiellini is pretending to be a right-winger and is offside.

Italy corner. From the edge it's stabbed towards goal from Stefano Sturaro, very much the touch of a man making his fourth international appearance. 

Slow so far, not a lot of Italy men pressing the Germans, but from Manuel Neuer's goal kick there's four players blocking off the short ball...

Image source, EPA

Rob Elmore: Everybody get ready for a footballing masterclass from Germany!

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC One

Germany have straight away gone to wing-backs - look how high their wing-backs are already. 

Italy aren't pressing high early on - they almost look bamboozled by Germany's shape.

Looks like it's definitely three at the back for the Germans. Plenty of width from the wing-backs, who are very well advanced already. Joshua Kimmich on the right and Hector down the left.