Germany defeated Italy 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of the UEFA Nations League at the iconic San Siro stadium on March 20, 2025. Under the watchful eyes of their coaches, Julian Nagelsmann and Luciano Spalletti, both teams came into this encounter with high hopes of progressing to the semifinals.
The game sprang to life in the 9th minute, with Italy taking an early lead through a well-executed goal by Sandro Tonali. A perfectly weighted ball from Matteo Politano found Tonali, who slammed it home with a first-time effort after a scramble in the box. This goal showcased Italy’s attacking prowess and their immediate intent to assert dominance on the field.
Germany, however, was undeterred and gradually settled into the match. Leon Goretzka came close with a header that went over the bar, and moments later, he tested Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful strike from distance. Italy's goalkeeper proved equal to the task, parrying away a fierce attempt by Moise Kean shortly before halftime, reasserting Italy's grip on the game.
As halftime approached, Germany's Julian Nagelsmann recognized the need for tactical adjustments. He made a double substitution, bringing on Nico Schlotterbeck and Tim Kleindienst for David Raum and Jonathan Burkardt, respectively. This strategic shift paid dividends just four minutes after the break when Kleindienst found the net, powering home a header from a precise cross by Joshua Kimmich, leveling the match at 1-1.
Play became increasingly frantic as both sides sought control, leading to a battle of resilience and tactics. In the 75th minute, Germany capitalized on a set-piece, with Goretzka emerging as the decisive figure once again. His corner kick was glanced home at the front post, turning the tide in Germany's favor, bringing the score to 2-1. This moment highlighted Goretzka’s offensive threat and marked a turning point in the contest.
As the clock wound down, Italy intensified its efforts to equalize. Daniel Maldini came close with a shot from distance, but Baumann was alert, preserving his clean sheet with another incredible save. Despite a spirited late resurgence from the Azzurri, the clock eventually ran out, confirming Germany's hard-fought victory.
This match not only showcased the technical skills of both teams but also highlighted their tactical approach and the emotional intensity of international football. "Germany came from behind to snatch victory at the San Siro against a physical and well-drilled Italian side,” said a match report, capturing the dramatic essence of the encounter.
Looking ahead, the second leg of the quarterfinal is scheduled for March 23, 2025, at 8:45 PM (CET) in Dortmund. Both teams will carry the lessons learned from this encounter into their preparations for the upcoming clash, and fans on both sides will be eager to see who will ultimately secure a spot in the semifinals.
The match result underscores Germany's status as a formidable contender in the competition, affirming their recent resurgence under Nagelsmann's leadership. Meanwhile, although Italy showcased significant talent and grit, they will need to recalibrate if they aim to overturn the deficit in the upcoming fixture. Both nations remain at the forefront of international football, promising another captivating clash ahead.
