Germany secured a spot in the UEFA Nations League semifinals following a dramatic 3-3 draw against Italy in Dortmund on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The host team, having won the first leg 2-1, advanced with a 5-4 aggregate score, marking a significant milestone as it is their first-ever semifinal appearance in the tournament.
The match started with an electrifying pace, as Germany took control right from the kick-off. Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring by converting a penalty in the 30th minute after Tim Kleindienst was fouled in the box. Just six minutes later, Kimmich doubled the lead with a clever set piece, quickly delivering a corner that found Jamal Musiala unmarked inside the penalty area; Musiala slotted the ball home with precision.
Germany’s onslaught continued, and on the stroke of half-time, Kimmich provided yet another assist, as Tim Kleindienst headed in his cross, ensuring the hosts entered the break with a commanding 3-0 lead. During the first half, Germany launched 16 shots on goal, showcasing their relentless attacking style; it was a stark reminder of the powerhouse team they had been since their 2014 World Cup victory.
Germany’s impressive performance, however, took a downturn in the second half. Italy, energized by their precarious situation, turned the tide with renewed aggression. Just four minutes after the restart, Moise Kean found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Germany. This goal clearly shifted the momentum, as Kean scored again in the 69th minute, assisted by Giacomo Raspadori, narrowing the deficit to 3-2.
As the minutes ticked down, Italy pressed on, and in stoppage time, Raspadori was awarded a penalty after a handball by Germany’s Maximilian Mittelstädt. Raspadori converted the penalty, leveling the match at 3-3 on the night, but Italy fell short of overcoming the aggregate score.
Post-match, Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, reflected on the rollercoaster of the game, stating, “It was the best half, very impressive, incredibly aggressive, and a deserved lead. But what we learned from these two matches is important for our development.” Nagelsmann recognized the contrasting performances, acknowledging that they relinquished control in the second half but emerged with invaluable lessons for future challenges.
On the other side, Italian coach Luciano Spalletti expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to maintain their earlier intensity, emphasizing the need for maturity in critical moments. Spalletti remarked, “You always learn from games like this,” understanding that the second-half resurgence, while commendable, highlighted tactical flaws that need addressing.
The result was historic for Germany, earning them the right to host the remaining stages of the tournament in Stuttgart and Munich this June. This success comes as part of a broader trend, with Germany now unbeaten in 17 matches, reflecting their resurgence under Nagelsmann, who highlighted that their sole defeat in that period was a heart-wrenching extra-time loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.
With Germany’s upcoming semifinal against Portugal, fans are hopeful that their team can build on this momentum and challenge for the Nations League title. The match against Italy not only showcased the team's offensive prowess but also underscored areas for improvement, especially in defense as they strive to maintain consistency throughout the game.
As both teams depart from this quarterfinal clash, the stories of triumph and lessons learned resonate deeply—not just for Germany, who are basking in this victory, but also for Italy, who must regroup and rethink ahead of their future matches.
Germany will take on Portugal on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in their footballing narrative.
