Germany vs. Italy | Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 2nd Leg | Pre Match
Germany vs. Italy
On top in a tussle between two football titans, Germany will aim to seal progress into the UEFA Nations League semi-finals by finishing the job against Italy on Sunday evening. The first leg at San Siro on Thursday provided a thrilling spectacle, with Die Nationalelf clawing their way back from a goal down to secure a narrow 2-1 victory that has put them in the driver’s seat heading into the return fixture in Dortmund. For Germany, a team with a storied history but no prior appearance in the Nations League finals, this quarter-final tie represents a golden opportunity to break new ground and add a rare piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet. Captain Joshua Kimmich proved to be the linchpin in Milan, delivering two pinpoint assists that turned the game on its head and underscored his importance to Julian Nagelsmann’s revitalized squad. After falling behind early to a deflected Matteo Politano cross that Sandro Tonali converted, Germany’s resilience shone through in the second half, with substitute Tim Kleindienst and the returning Leon Goretzka heading home Kimmich’s deliveries to secure a historic win—their first on Italian soil since 1986. Now, with an unbeaten streak of eight Nations League matches and a broader run of 11 wins and four draws in their last 16 games, Germany are riding a wave of momentum. Hosting the second leg in front of a passionate Dortmund crowd, they are determined to close out the tie and book a semi-final clash with either Denmark or Portugal, all while eyeing the chance to host the finals tournament if they eliminate the reigning European champions.
After Thursday's first-leg success at San Siro, Die Nationalelf are on course to make a belated debut at the finals tournament, which they would host if the Azzurri are knocked out. The prospect of reaching the Nations League semi-finals for the first time is a tantalizing one for a German side that has endured its share of frustration in this competition, having failed to advance beyond the group stage in three previous attempts. Nagelsmann, never one to shy away from bold decisions, showcased his tactical acumen in Milan by introducing Kleindienst and Goretzka at halftime—a move that paid immediate dividends. Kleindienst, the towering Mainz striker, rose to meet Kimmich’s cross just minutes after entering the fray, leveling the score and shifting the momentum decisively in Germany’s favor. Goretzka, back in the national team fold after a year-long absence, then capped his redemption arc with a towering header from another Kimmich set-piece, sealing a comeback that sent a clear message about Germany’s intent. This victory was not just a tactical triumph but a psychological boost for a team that has weathered significant upheaval in recent years, with retirements and injuries forcing a reliance on emerging talent alongside established stars. Nagelsmann’s ability to blend youth and experience has been key to their resurgence, and with an eye on the 2026 World Cup, the Nations League offers a chance to build momentum and confidence. A semi-final berth would be a significant milestone, but the ultimate prize—hosting and potentially winning the finals—looms large as motivation for Sunday’s showdown.
Fighting back from behind to claim a 2-1 lead in their quarter-final tie, Germany relied on captain Joshua Kimmich for inspiration, as the Bayern Munich star set up both goals in Milan. The 29-year-old midfielder, often the heartbeat of this German side, demonstrated his leadership and technical brilliance under pressure, delivering two assists that turned a deficit into a lead. His first contribution came from a well-flighted cross that found Kleindienst unmarked, exposing Italy’s perennial vulnerability at set pieces—a weakness that has haunted them in recent years. The second was a corner kick that Goretzka powered home, further highlighting Kimmich’s ability to influence games in decisive moments. Nagelsmann’s halftime adjustments were critical, but it was Kimmich’s vision and execution that brought them to life, earning Germany a slender but precious advantage. This performance was a microcosm of their broader resurgence under Nagelsmann, who took over a team in transition and has molded it into a cohesive unit capable of competing with Europe’s best. Despite the absence of key players like Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to injuries, Germany have found ways to win, relying on depth and adaptability. In Dortmund, they’ll look to Kimmich once again to steer them over the finish line, knowing that a clean sheet or a single goal could be enough to secure their place in the last four.
Still hoping to make it through to the semis for a third consecutive edition, Italy failed to fully capitalize after scoring with their first attack on Thursday, when a deflected Matteo Politano cross set up Sandro Tonali's opener. The Azzurri, who have reached the Nations League semi-finals in each of the last two tournaments, started brightly in Milan, with Tonali’s early strike giving them a platform to build on. However, their inability to maintain that momentum after the break proved costly, as Germany exploited their defensive frailties to flip the script. Luciano Spalletti, who has been tasked with restoring Italy’s fortunes after their Euro 2020 triumph was followed by consecutive World Cup qualification failures, watched his side crumble at set pieces once again—a recurring issue that has undermined their otherwise solid play. Kleindienst’s equalizer came shortly after halftime, and Goretzka’s winner from a corner exposed a lack of organization that Spalletti will be desperate to address in Dortmund. Despite a late flurry of pressure that forced German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann into several sharp saves, Italy couldn’t find an equalizer, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the return leg. The defeat marked their second in a row, following a 3-1 loss to France that saw them finish as runners-up in League A Group 2, and it’s the first time they’ve suffered back-to-back losses since Cesare Prandelli’s tenure a decade ago. For Spalletti, turning this tie around would not only keep Italy’s Nations League hopes alive but also provide a much-needed boost ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign—a priority that looms large after recent disappointments.
Having won Euro 2020 only to miss out on qualification for two World Cups either side, La Nazionale's priority remains reaching the 2026 global finals, but turning this tie around would still be a significant moment for coach Luciano Spalletti. The 65-year-old tactician, known for his meticulous approach, faces a stern test in Dortmund, where his team must score at least twice and avoid conceding to progress. Italy’s squad is hampered by injuries, with top scorer Mateo Retegui and left wing-back Federico Dimarco ruled out, while Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness remains in doubt after limping off in Milan. Alessandro Buongiorno stands ready to step into the back three if needed, while Andrea Cambiaso’s return to fitness offers versatility on the flanks. Mattia Zaccagni, meanwhile, has had extra time to recover and could provide a spark. In midfield, Tonali—who has two goals and two assists in seven Nations League games this season—will be crucial, his energy and creativity offering hope of an upset. For Germany, Nagelsmann may opt to start Kleindienst after his impact off the bench, with the Mainz striker boasting three goals in three international appearances, though Deniz Undav is another option. Goretzka, hailed as the unofficial ‘Man of the Match’ in Milan, is set to anchor midfield alongside Kimmich, while Pascal Gross hopes to feature at his club stadium, competing with Robert Andrich and Angelo Stiller for a spot. Despite their injury woes, Germany’s depth and form make them favorites, but Italy’s pedigree and desperation could yet make this a classic encounter. With a semi-final berth—and for Italy, the chance to host the finals—on the line, Sunday’s clash promises high stakes and higher drama.
