On March 20, 2025, Germany triumphed over Italy with a thrilling 2-1 victory in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final at the iconic San Siro stadium, continuing their momentum in the tournament.
This match pitted two footballing giants against each other, and the anticipation was palpable as fans filled the stands, eager to witness a spectacular showdown. Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed the anticipation for the challenge ahead, stating, "Achieving success tomorrow will be a big challenge. It's crucial that we defend well, maintain a good balance between defense and attack," setting a serious tone for his players.
On the other hand, Italy's Luciano Spalletti emphasized his team’s responsibility to their supporters: "We have the duty to be that dream that all Italians have of seeing Italy play, of winning matches and being a strong national team." Both coaches acknowledged the historical rivalry between their sides, making this encounter particularly significant.
The match kicked off at 19:45 GMT, with both teams fielding formidable lineups. Germany entered the game with Oliver Baumann in goal, a strong defense led by Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rüdiger, and a midfield featuring Leon Goretzka and Nadiem Amiri. Italy countered with Gianluigi Donnarumma backing a three-man defense while relying on the attacking prowess of Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori. Notably, Italy was missing key players, including Mateo Retegui, Federico Dimarco, and Andrea Cambiaso due to injury.
The first half saw Italy take the lead, with Sandro Tonali finding the net after a smart play orchestrated by Nicolò Barella, putting the Azzurri ahead in the 25th minute. This moment transformed the atmosphere at San Siro, with fans erupting in joy as their team pushed for the second goal, showing determination despite their missing stars.
As the game progressed, Germany struggled to find their rhythm, with several attempts thwarted by Italy’s solid defense. Yet, the Germans showed resilience, and just before halftime, they began creating more chances, showcasing their attacking depth. Despite a barrage of opportunities on both ends, the first half concluded with Italy holding onto their 1-0 advantage.
The second half commenced with tactical alterations from Nagelsmann, who understood the urgency of leveling the score. Germany shifted their tactics, bringing on fresh legs and revisiting their strategy to break through Italy's defenses. Their efforts paid off as Tim Kleindienst scored the equalizer in the 63rd minute. After a precise cross from Joshua Kimmich, Kleindienst leaped above the defenders to head the ball into the net, drawing the match level and reigniting hope for the German fans.
With the score now 1-1, the intensity of the match escalated. Both teams pushed forward, but Germany began to capitalize on their momentum. The substitutes provided a vital spark for the team, and in the 76th minute, Leon Goretzka found the back of the net, turning the tide in favor of Germany. The goal came following a poorly cleared corner kick, and Goretzka’s instinctive shot from close range evaded Donnarumma, sealing a comeback victory.
After the goal, Spalletti's team fought hard for an equalizer, but Germany’s defense held firm. In the closing moments, the German side displayed their composed play, looking to control the match tempo to secure the win. As the time ticked away, Italy made desperate efforts, sending forward more players. Despite their attempts, Germany's defense maintained its shape and effectiveness.
This match not only established Germany’s striker prowess but fed into their unbeaten streak since July 2024, illustrating their progress under Nagelsmann. Post-match, he remarked on the importance of team dynamics and execution of their game plan. Conversely, Spalletti acknowledged the challenge of injuries impacting Italy's performance while expressing pride in his team’s effort despite the loss.
The upcoming second leg in Dortmund promises to be an electrifying encounter, with both teams aware that all is still to play for. As they prepare for another battle, supporters are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this storied rivalry. Germany leads the aggregate but Italy’s fighting spirit is sure to make it a thrilling rematch.
