Goretzka goals sees Germany come from behind to beat Italy
Italy vs Germany
Germany staged a resilient comeback to defeat Italy 2-1 at the iconic San Siro on Thursday, securing a slender but significant advantage in the first leg of their Nations League quarterfinal. The match, a clash between two European footballing powerhouses, saw Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka emerge as the hero, nodding in the decisive goal 14 minutes from the end to complete a turnaround that had seemed unlikely after Italy’s early lead. With the second leg set for Dortmund on Sunday, Germany now holds a one-goal cushion, positioning them favorably to advance to the semifinals, where they would face either Denmark or Portugal, and potentially host the Nations League final in June. The victory was a testament to Germany’s persistence and tactical adaptability, as they overcame a shaky start to impose their will on a spirited Italian side that had hoped to leverage their home advantage. This result not only keeps Germany’s aspirations alive in the competition but also reignites their reputation as a team capable of thriving under pressure against top-tier opposition.
The game kicked off with Germany adopting an aggressive, high-pressing approach, intent on unsettling Italy from the outset. The visitors dominated possession in the early exchanges, pushing Italy back into their own half and probing for openings in a defense renowned for its resilience. However, Italy, true to their counterattacking pedigree, weathered the storm and struck with their first real opportunity in the ninth minute. The goal came from a swift and incisive move, initiated by Nicolò Barella, who threaded a precise pass into the box for Matteo Politano. Politano’s clever pull-back found Moise Kean, and though the striker couldn’t connect cleanly, the ball fell kindly for Sandro Tonali, who wasted no time driving a low shot into the corner past Germany’s goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. The San Siro erupted as Italy took the lead, their clinical finishing standing in stark contrast to Germany’s early profligacy. For the hosts, it was a dream start, a reward for their patience and a warning to Germany that possession alone wouldn’t suffice against a team adept at punishing mistakes. Tonali’s strike set the tone for a first half where Italy looked comfortable absorbing pressure and striking on the break.
Despite conceding, Germany refused to relent, maintaining their grip on the ball and creating chances that tested Italy’s resolve. Leon Goretzka, a towering presence in midfield, came close to equalizing when he headed over the bar from a well-placed cross, a miss that drew groans from the traveling German supporters. Moments later, he directed another effort straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s dependable goalkeeper, who stood firm to preserve his side’s lead. Germany’s dominance in possession was evident, but their inability to convert opportunities into goals highlighted a familiar frustration for a team with lofty ambitions. On the other end, Baumann was kept busy, parrying away a sharp shot from Tonali and then denying Kean with a strong hand, as Italy sought to double their advantage on the counter. Just before halftime, Nadiem Amiri came agonizingly close to leveling the score, sending a curling free kick inches over the bar, a near-miss that encapsulated Germany’s first-half struggle. Italy, buoyed by their early goal and Donnarumma’s heroics, retreated into the break with a 1-0 lead, their defensive solidity and opportunistic attacking giving them the edge in a tightly contested opening 45 minutes.
The second half began with Germany showing renewed intent, and their persistence paid off just four minutes after the restart. Joshua Kimmich, the orchestrator of Germany’s midfield, floated a perfectly weighted ball into the box, where substitute Tim Kleindienst rose unmarked to meet it. With his first touch of the game, Kleindienst powered a header past Donnarumma, who could only watch as the ball bulged the net. The equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the German contingent, as Kleindienst’s impact off the bench breathed new life into their campaign. The goal shifted the momentum decisively, with Germany now sensing an opportunity to seize control against an Italian side that had been rocked by the sudden breach of their defense. Italy responded with vigor, refusing to let the game slip away easily. Tonali showcased his flair with a deft back-heeled pass to Kean, whose snap shot sailed over the bar, while Giacomo Raspadori found himself one-on-one with Baumann after a clever run, only for the German keeper to thwart him with a sprawling leg save. Goretzka, meanwhile, continued to threaten, heading wide from another Kimmich cross, a miss that kept Italy in the game as the tension mounted at the San Siro.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute, when Goretzka redeemed his earlier profligacy with a goal that tilted the tie in Germany’s favor. It came from a Kimmich corner, whipped in with venom toward the near post. The delivery was so precise that it appeared destined for the net without assistance, but Goretzka ensured his name on the scoresheet with the faintest of headers, glancing the ball past Donnarumma before it crossed the line. The San Siro fell silent as Germany celebrated, their persistence rewarded with a 2-1 lead that reflected their second-half dominance. The goal was a product of Kimmich’s set-piece mastery and Goretzka’s aerial prowess, a combination that has become a hallmark of Germany’s attacking threat. For Italy, it was a bitter blow, as their defense, which had held firm for much of the match, was finally undone by a moment of brilliance. Goretzka’s strike not only secured the win but also underscored Germany’s ability to capitalize on critical junctures, a trait that could prove invaluable as they aim to progress deeper into the tournament.
Italy, stung by the turnaround, threw everything forward in the closing stages, desperate to salvage a draw and keep the tie level heading into the second leg. Barella, a dynamo in midfield, dragged a shot wide from a corner, a miss that epitomized Italy’s growing frustration as time ticked away. Daniel Maldini, son of the legendary Paolo, came close to equalizing with a stinging effort, but Baumann stood tall once more, beating the ball away to preserve Germany’s lead. The German defense, marshaled superbly by Baumann, weathered the late storm, their composure under pressure ensuring they left Milan with a one-goal advantage. Italy’s late flurry was spirited but ultimately fruitless, as Germany’s resilience and clinical finishing proved the difference on the night. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for the visitors, a result that shifts the pressure onto Italy as they prepare to travel to Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, a venue steeped in history and hostile atmosphere, for the return leg.
As the Nations League quarterfinals unfold, Germany’s triumph at the San Siro sets up a tantalizing second leg, where they will look to defend their lead and secure a spot in the semifinals. For Italy, the defeat evokes memories of their 2006 World Cup semifinal triumph over Germany at the same Dortmund venue, a victory that propelled them to the title. They will hope to channel that spirit to overturn the deficit and keep their Nations League dreams alive. Germany, meanwhile, will draw confidence from their ability to come from behind against a formidable opponent, with Kimmich, Goretzka, and Kleindienst proving their mettle in a high-stakes encounter. The winners of this tie will face either Denmark or Portugal, adding further intrigue to a competition that continues to deliver drama and quality. For now, Germany holds the upper hand, their 2-1 lead a reward for their tenacity and a foundation to build upon as they aim to host the semifinals and final in June, chasing glory on home soil.
