Germany will look to solidify their place in the UEFA Nations League Finals as they host Italy at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on March 23, 2025. After beating Italy 2-1 on the road in the first leg of this quarter-final, the German squad, under the management of Julian Nagelsmann, aims to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to eight games.
In the first leg, Germany found themselves down early after Sandro Tonali scored for Italy in the ninth minute. However, they rallied back with second-half goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka, successfully taking the advantage into the crucial second leg. With the scoreline now at 2-1, Germany has positioned itself favorably for a spot in the semi-finals, with a win ensuring they not only progress but also host the finals tournament in June 2026.
Kleindienst, a striking sensation for Borussia Mönchengladbach, is expected to lead Germany's attack following his impactful performance in Milan, where he scored his third international goal in just five appearances. Having netted 15 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches this season, he has shown promising form, which has led to his selection for a starting role against the Azzurri.
"Tim Kleindienst’s goal was massive for us, and now we're counting on him to deliver again at home," Nagelsmann noted, reflecting the confidence he has in the forward. Meanwhile, the status of Mainz’s Jonathan Burkardt remains uncertain, as he missed the last training session prior to the match, leaving him doubtful for the matchday squad.
Despite their defeat in the first leg, Italy enters the game with a positive attitude, hoping to overcome the deficit. Coach Luciano Spalletti has called for an improvement in defending set-pieces, an area where they have struggled recently. Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori will not be available for this match due to a knee injury suffered during the first leg, underscoring the challenges facing the Italian side.
As kick-off approaches, fans on both sides are buzzing with anticipation. Coverage of the match will be available on Amazon Prime Video, starting at 7:35 PM GMT ahead of the 7:45 PM kick-off time.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this encounter carries significant weight, not just for reaching the semi-finals against either Denmark or Portugal but also for the opportunity to host the grand final. Germany is aware of the stakes and will look to leverage home advantage while Italy seeks to spoil the party.
With both teams set to put forth their best efforts, the excitement is palpable. Football fans across the world are tuned in, ready for what promises to be a thrilling contest. The focus not only rests on the players’ performances but also on the tactical battles between the two managers, both vying for a place in the next stage of a prestigious tournament.
