The excitement is palpable as Germany gears up to face Italy in the Nations League quarterfinals, having secured a promising lead in the first leg. The match is set for March 23, 2025, at 20:45 in Dortmund, where Germany aims for a spot in the Final Four after their victory in Milan earlier this week.
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Germany triumphed over Italy with a score of 2-1 in the first leg held at the iconic San Siro. Following an early goal from Italy’s Sandro Tonali in the 9th minute, Germany equalized in the second half through Tim Kleindienst, who made quite the impact after being substituted at halftime. Leon Goretzka, playing his first match for the national team in 16 months, scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute, putting Germany in a strong position for the return leg.
Fans looking to catch the action live will be able to do so via RTL, which will broadcast the match on free TV starting at 20:15 with pre-match coverage, followed by the kickoff at 20:45. For those wanting to watch online, RTL+ offers a live stream, although it requires a subscription.
With their eyes set on the semifinals, Germany finds itself in a favorable position; a draw in the second leg will suffice for advancement to the prestigious Final Four, which is also set to take place in Germany. Goretzka’s return is nothing short of a boost for the team, especially as Matthäus pointed out in his observations: "Leon Goretzka should start for the national team against Italy. He is back and belongs in the starting eleven. He has shown his quality and character in recent matches."
The moment is also marked by a significant celebration as Germany will wear an eye-catching retro jersey in honor of the DFB’s 125th anniversary. The design pays tribute to the national team's kit from the victorious 1974 World Cup, featuring a pinstripe fabric and a specially embroidered crest to commemorate the milestone. A DFB spokesperson described the jersey, saying, "The jersey is made of pinstripe fabric and features a specially embroidered crest for the 125th anniversary."
Looking ahead to the match, Matthäus offered insights on the goalkeeping situation, indicating which players might have the upper hand as Germany approaches the challenge. He stated, "From the goalkeepers available for the match against Italy, Alexander Nübel is clearly the number one for me," while he expressed concerns about the match rhythms of Stefan Ortega and Oliver Baumann, questioning their fit given their recent lack of playtime. "Ortega has had limited playing time, and Baumann lacks match rhythm," he remarked.
As the preparations continue, the excitement builds. Fans are flocking to Dortmund, eager to witness if Germany can seal its place in the championship round. The historic rivalry between these two footballing nations adds even more edge to the contest, with both sides hungry to assert their dominance.
This encounter has more than just a ticket to the Final Four on the line; it represents the culmination of years of competition and a chance at national pride. The German squad, with its potent mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, is determined to push through and capitalize on their home advantage.
On Sunday, supporters in Dortmund will be on the edge of their seats, hoping that the DFB-Auswahl can carry their momentum forward while embracing their heritage in the stylish retro jerseys. As the match day approaches, anticipation for this high-stakes battle continues to rise, underscoring the passion of football and its significant role in uniting fans, young and old, across the nation.
