In a thrilling Nations League quarterfinal matchup, Germany edged out Italy 2-1 in Milan, marking a significant victory for the German team, their first on Italian soil since February 1986. The match held at the iconic San Siro saw 60,000 fans in attendance, showcasing the intensity and rivalry that often accompanies such encounters.
Italy shocked their visitors early on, with midfielder Sandro Tonali finding the back of the net just nine minutes into the game. His goal came after Matteo Politano capitalized on a defensive error from Germany, racing down the right flank and delivering a precise cross that Tonali slotted home. The Italian team managed to maintain their lead throughout the first half, successfully stifling any significant chances from the German side.
However, the momentum shifted after halftime. Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann made some tactical adjustments, resulting in Tim Kleindienst leveling the score in the 49th minute. His equalizer was crucial and ignited a renewed sense of belief within the German ranks. Fifteen minutes later, Leon Goretzka, making a notable return to the national team after 16 months away, scored what would ultimately be the decisive goal. Joshua Kimmich played an instrumental role, assisting both goals, demonstrating his critical importance to the squad.
Following the match, Goretzka expressed his elation, stating, "This is a very nice story. I am very happy." He added, "It was fun. But this is just the first step." Meanwhile, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who had been under pressure throughout the game, emphasized the importance of fan support, highlighting the 3,500 traveling German fans who made their way to Milan. Prior to the game, these fans organized a small demonstration of support, underscoring the spirited nature of the occasion.
It's noteworthy that the fan atmosphere played a pivotal role in the match. Initially, the Italian supporters booed the German national anthem, prompting the stadium’s music volume to increase to drown out the jeers—a spectacle that is quite uncommon in international football. In a playful retaliation, German fans later booed during the Italian anthem, making their presence known.
The next leg of this riveting quarterfinal will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Dortmund, where Germany only needs a draw to secure their spot in the semifinals. The stakes are high as this tournament continues to draw significant attention, with the final tournament scheduled for early June, set to be hosted in either Germany or Italy. Current results suggest that both teams are well-positioned to go deep into the tournament.
In other quarterfinals, Croatia secured a solid 2-0 victory over France, while Spain managed to achieve a late draw at 2-2 against the Netherlands, and Denmark triumphed over Portugal with a narrow 1-0 win at home.
This match, with its blend of drama, tactics, and passionate fans, epitomizes the competitive spirit of the Nations League. The German side, under the guidance of Nagelsmann, demonstrated resilience and tactical ability to come from behind and capture a vital win. As fans eagerly anticipate the second leg, the stage is set for another captivating clash between these footballing titans.
