Nations League quarter-finals: Germany resist Italy rally to seal finals spot
Germany vs Italy
Joshua Kimmich proved to be the linchpin for Germany in their thrilling encounter with Italy, showcasing his versatility and leadership by setting up both of Germany’s goals in the first leg and then adding to his tally in the return match, where he increased his side’s advantage with a confidently taken penalty. The game began with an electrifying end-to-end pace, both teams trading blows in a contest that promised drama from the outset. It was Kimmich, wearing the captain’s armband, who seized the moment when Alessandro Buongiorno was adjudged to have impeded the towering forward Tim Kleindienst in the penalty area. The referee’s decision sparked debate, but Kimmich remained unfazed, stepping up to dispatch the spot-kick with precision, sending Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way and giving Germany a crucial lead in the tie. This moment underscored Kimmich’s growing stature as a clutch performer for Die Mannschaft, his ability to influence games from multiple positions—whether as a midfielder or a right-back—making him indispensable to Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical setup. The penalty shifted the momentum firmly in Germany’s favor, and the home crowd roared their approval, sensing that their team was on the cusp of something special. Italy, however, were far from beaten, their resilience a hallmark of their recent performances, and the stage was set for a contest that would test the mettle of both sides in a battle for a place in the Nations League final four.
The game took on an even more dramatic hue when Tim Kleindienst, who had entered the fray as a half-time substitute in the first leg and scored with his first touch, nearly doubled Germany’s lead shortly after Kimmich’s opener. Denied by a brilliant save from Donnarumma, Kleindienst’s effort seemed to signal that Italy’s goalkeeper would be the immovable object standing between Germany and a rout. Yet, Kimmich’s quick thinking turned the tide once more, as he capitalized on the resulting corner to find Jamal Musiala unmarked at the near post. Musiala, with the poise of a seasoned veteran despite his youth, slotted the ball home with ease, doubling Germany’s advantage and sending the home fans into raptures. The goal was a testament to Kimmich’s vision and Musiala’s predatory instincts, a combination that has become a cornerstone of Germany’s attacking play under Nagelsmann. Donnarumma, for all his heroics, could only watch as the ball nestled into the net, his earlier save rendered a mere footnote in a first half that was slipping away from Italy. Just as the visitors seemed to be regaining their footing, Kleindienst struck again on the stroke of half-time, rising highest to meet a pinpoint cross and powering a close-range header past Donnarumma, who got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line. The goal, Kleindienst’s second of the tie, gave Germany a commanding lead and left Italy reeling, their hopes of a third consecutive appearance in the Nations League finals hanging by a thread as they trudged off for the interval, trailing by a margin that seemed insurmountable given Germany’s dominance.
Italy, however, emerged from the break with renewed vigor, unwilling to surrender their ambitions without a fight, and it was Moise Kean who ignited their spirited comeback attempt just four minutes after the restart. Seizing possession in a moment of German complacency, Kean blasted a shot past Oliver Baumann, reducing the arrears and breathing life back into the Azzurri’s campaign. The Fiorentina striker’s goal was a statement of intent, a reminder of Italy’s attacking quality and their refusal to go quietly into the night. Kean wasn’t done there, adding a second goal with a moment of individual brilliance that showcased his skill and tenacity. Teasing Jonathan Tah inside the box with a deft turn, he fired a low shot that beat Baumann at his near post, bringing Italy within touching distance of a remarkable recovery. The Italian fans, who had traveled in hope rather than expectation, erupted as their team clawed their way back into contention, the deficit shrinking with each passing minute. Kean’s brace transformed the game into a nerve-shredding affair, with Germany’s once-comfortable lead suddenly looking fragile. The momentum had swung, and Italy’s resurgence was a testament to their character, a side that has often thrived in adversity and refused to buckle even when staring down the barrel of defeat. For Germany, the challenge was clear: weather the storm and hold firm, or risk letting a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in front of their own supporters.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Italy’s hopes of completing their comeback were handed a lifeline when Kleindienst was penalized for a handball in the box, a decision that sparked protests from the German players but stood firm after review. Up stepped Giacomo Raspadori, coolly placing a 95th-minute penalty past Baumann to bring Italy within sight of an astonishing turnaround. The stadium fell into a tense hush, the weight of the moment palpable as Italy pushed for an equalizer that would have leveled the tie and potentially forced extra time. The Azzurri threw everything forward, forcing Germany to defend successive crosses in a frantic final flurry that tested Nagelsmann’s side to their limits. Yet, Germany held their nerve, their backline standing tall under pressure as Baumann commanded his area with authority, ensuring that Italy’s late surge fell just short. When the final whistle blew, it was Germany who emerged victorious, booking their place in the final four and securing the right to host the showpiece event—a fitting reward for a performance that blended brilliance with resilience. Kimmich, directly involved in all five of Germany’s goals across the tie with one goal and four assists, was the undisputed architect of their success, his three contributions in this game marking only the second time in his 99 appearances for Germany that he had achieved such a feat. For Italy, the defeat was a bitter pill, their first-half struggles a rare blemish in a competition where they have been prolific, having scored in 20 of their last 21 Nations League matches.
Germany’s triumph extended their impressive record against Italy, with no defeats in their last eight international meetings (excluding penalty shoot-outs), a run that includes four wins and four draws. Die Mannschaft’s unbeaten streak in their last nine Nations League games (five wins, four draws) further underlined their consistency in the competition, while their scoring record—finding the net in 20 of their last 22 matches—highlighted their attacking potency. At home, they have lost just once in their last 12 Nations League outings, a statistic that bodes well as they prepare to welcome Europe’s elite for the finals. For Kimmich, Musiala, Kleindienst, and their teammates, this was a night of vindication, a classic encounter that showcased their ability to blend flair with grit. Italy, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a rare failure to score before half-time in their last 11 Nations League matches, a stumble that proved costly against a German side that seized their chances with ruthless efficiency. As the celebrations began, Nagelsmann’s men could look ahead with confidence, their place among the final four a testament to their quality and a promise of more drama to come when they take center stage as hosts.
