It's the classic after the classic.

After facing Argentina , Germany will now take on Italy in the World Cup semi-finals. And even though the contest against Argentina had been billed by some in Germany as sort of a final before the final, the match-up on Tuesday also has plenty of history and cachet.

The Italians have often come away better in the past, being one of only six teams to have a positive balance against the German national squad. Germany has also never managed to beat Italy in their four meetings in previous World Cups. In what is largely considered one of the most exciting World Cup matches ever, Italy defeated Germany 4-3 in extra time in the 1970 semi-final. The Italians also won the 1982 final against Germany 3-1.

"Italy versus Germany is a classic. Although it will be difficult against the home team with the whole stadium behind them," said Italy's captain Fabio Cannavaro. "But we're heading into the match relaxed. We're looking forward to the semi-final against Germany."

The two mighty footballing nations last met in a friendly in Florence in March and the encounter ended in disaster for Germany, as the guests were humiliated 4-1.

Fortress Dortmund

After that match, many in Germany were questioning whether coach Jürgen Klinsmann's side would be tossed out of the World Cup in the first round. The Italians surgically dissected the Germans' shaky defense, as they romped to victory in front of their home crowd. However, things aren't likely to be so hospitable in Dortmund on Tuesday. The stadium is known for its imposing atmosphere and the German national team has never lost there.

More importantly, Klinsmann's squad seems to have solidified and its back line has become much steadier as the tournament has progressed. His players have also gained in confidence by downing Argentina, which had been tipped by many to win the World Cup this year.

"The win over Argentina, the big favorite, brings us a huge step forward," said German player Per Mertesacker. "Playing Italy in the semi-finals in Dortmund sounds good. That will be a highlight."

As a perennial World Cup contender, Italy has played determined, if not always dominating, soccer this tournament. The Squadra Azzura is blessed with some of the world's best players -- several of whom can change the course of a match with flashes of individual brilliance. They trounced Ukraine 3-0  in the quarter-finals, but in their previous game they only managed to eke by underdogs Australia with a last-minute penalty.

Goals galore or a low-scoring affair?

Although both teams have shown they can push forward and attack, the semi-final could also be a low-scoring affair. Italy's keeper, Gianluigi Buffon, has conceded only one goal so far -- an own goal in the match versus the United States. The German first-choice striking duo of Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski wasn't nearly as effective against the strong Argentine defense as they had been in previous matches. Italy may no longer play catenaccio -- a style of tenacious and grim defending -- but they still have a rock-solid back line anchored by Cannavaro.

"They Italians have a very well organized defense," said German defender Christoph Metzelder on Sunday. "We'll get few chances to score and we can allow few ourselves."

But Germany's plan to reach the final was dealt a huge blow on Monday after midfielder Torsten Frings was banned by FIFA. After playing an amazing game against Argentina, Frings was in the middle of the ugly post-match scuffle  that broke out after Germany won the penalty shoot-out.

Some television footage apparently shows Frings brawling with Julio Cruz. Frings claims he was merely defending himself by raising his hands and Cruz says he wasn't hit. But FIFA decided to punish the 29-year-old for balling his fist and apparently touching Cruz. He will be banned for two matches, but the second ban will be subject to six months probation allowing him to take part in either the final or the third-place match. Frings will also be fined 5,000 Swiss franks.