Andrea Pirlo's enduring quality has been a constant theme this tournament, and the 33-year-old's passing from a deep-lying midfield position cut England to ribbons in the quarter-finals.
Mesut Ozil operates higher up the pitch than the Italian, but is no less important as the creative fulcrum of an impressive German side.
But who has been more influential at Euro 2012? We took a look at the stats to judge each player's impact.
Shooting - Pirlo scored a brilliant free-kick against Croatia, and found the net with a gorgeous 'Panenka' penalty against England. Ozil has yet to score. However, neither man has offered much goal threat, shooting just seven times between them during the tournament.
Advantage: Pirlo
Passing - Pirlo has completed 44 more passes than his German rival, but their passes-per-minute rates are very similar (Pirlo 0.77, Ozil 0.74). However, Ozil has created more assists and chances, and managed a significantly higher pass completion percentage - partly this can be ascribed by Pirlo's tendency to play longer passes from a deep position, but Ozil also possesses a far better completion percentage in the opposition final third.
Advantage: Ozil
Dribbling - As you would imagine, the nippy Ozil has attempted more dribbles, though both players have a 50-50 success rate.
Advantage: Ozil
Defending - Tackling is not the forte of either player, and each manages just one per game. However, Pirlo is more adept at winning possession for his side, with nine interceptions to Ozil's two.
Advantage: Pirlo
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