MIROSLAV Klose is 12/1 to break Gerd Muller's German goalscoring record at this summer's World Cup ahead of today's semi-final clash with Italy, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.

The Polish-born striker has ten tournament strikes to his name, including five at this year's finals, but needs another five to go past Der Bomber's 22 year old achievement.

Klose is one off manager Jurgen Klinsmann's record of 11 and he is 6/4 to surpass that before the end of the competition on Sunday.

Ladbrokes make him 7/2 to score more goals in the semi-final than France forward Thierry Henry, who is 5/2 in a match bet, with the tie priced at 8/13.

Germany, who are 5/4 for victory today, have never beaten Italy in their six meetings at major tournaments.

But they have never lost a match in Dortmund, winning 13 of 14 encounters, with the draw coming against Wales in 1977.

The last time the two sides met Italy romped home 4-1 with goals from Alberto Gilardino, Luca Toni, Daniele De Rossi and Allesandro Del Piero.

Ladbrokes are offering 33/1 that the Italians score four or more again and 9/5 that they keep a clean sheet, having conceded just once thus far.

Toni, who finally got off the mark with a brace against Ukraine in the quarter final, is 6/1 to repeat the feat at the Signal Iduna Park.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Despite their poor record against the Italians, a lot of the early money is with the hosts. We've had twice as many bets on them in the win draw win so far.

"There has also been good money for Klose to score first predictably, but Ballack is also attracting support despite not finding the net yet."

Italy's nine goals have been scored by eight different players in Germany. Ladbrokes bet 9/1 that three or more get on the scoresheet today.

They are 2/1 that any Italian is suspended for the World Cup Final and 6/4 that any German misses out, depending on which team qualifies.

The firm also bet 2/1 that the referee sends off an Italian or awards the Germans a penalty and 2/1 that the home nation have a penalty saved.

LATEST BETTING

Italy to keep a clean sheet 9/5
Italy to score four or more 33/1
Luca Toni to score two or more 6/1

Who will score more in the semi-finals?

Theirry Henry 5/2
Miroslav klose 7/2
Tie 8/13

Klose to break Muller's record at this tournament

Yes 12/1
No 1/50

Klose to break Klinsmann's record at this tournament

Yes 6/4
No 1/2

Most cards

Italy 4/7
Germany 12/5
Tie 4/1

How many different German players will score - in 90 minutes?

None 9/5
One 6/4
Two 12/5
Three or more 8/1

How many different Italians will score - in 90 minutes?

None 6/5
One 13/8
Two 10/3
Three or more 9/1

Any Italian to be suspended for the World Cup Final 2/1
Any German to be suspended for the World Cup Final 6/4
Germany to be awarded a penalty 2/1
Italy to have a player sent off 2/1