Germany and Italy will face off in an incredibly pivotal match this Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Milan as part of the Nations League quarter-finals. The implications of this game stretch far beyond mere bragging rights—both teams are vying for a position in pot 1 for the draw of the 2026 World Cup.
This quarter-final is more than just a knockout match; it has significant weight in terms of the FIFA world rankings. Currently, Italy holds the ninth spot, while Germany sits closely behind at tenth. The stakes are high—if Germany can secure a win against Italy, they will not only enhance their chances for a favorable World Cup draw, but they will also move up in the rankings and have an opportunity to surpass their opponents.
Germany has 1,703.79 points, trailing Italy, which boasts 1,731.51 points. Winning the match would grant Germany 13.16 additional points while Italy would lose the same amount, potentially putting Germany ahead at 1,718.35 to 1,716.95. However, should Italy win, they will only earn 11.84 points while Germany loses the same number, complicating Germany's chances of climbing the ranks.
Under the leadership of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has started preparations with all available 23 national players despite the absence of key players like goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and injured offensive stars Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz. This training session included newcomers such as Yann-Aurel Bisseck and notable returnee Leon Goretzka, indicating a blend of youth and experience approaching a crucial match.
Nagelsmann has expressed a clear intention for this team to reach the Final Four of the Nations League for the first time. The final round is scheduled to unfold in Munich and Stuttgart in early June. Against Italy, long seen as a formidable opponent, Germany hopes to break a long-standing pattern of underperformance. The last time Germany won in Italy was in 1986.
The game will be broadcast live on ARD starting at 20:45, with pre-game coverage beginning at 20:15. Veteran commentator Tom Bartels will voice the match while former player and expert Bastian Schweinsteiger will join him for analysis.
Betting odds reflect a balanced matchup, with no clear favorite as both teams are equally positioned according to the latest quotations from Betano. As excitement builds ahead of this encounter, strategies on both sides will be finely tuned as they prepare for what could be a defining moment in their campaigns.
In addition to the immediate stakes of the match, the outcome will also influence the World Cup qualification groups. Depending on which team emerges victorious, they will progress to Group A, while the losing team will compete in Group I.
As the two teams prepare to meet, factors such as previous encounters, current form, and injuries will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. The significance of this match in determining the initial positioning for the World Cup draw means both teams will be eager to claim victory in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Thus, all eyes will be on the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, where the historical rivalry between Germany and Italy will once again take center stage.
