In a thrilling encounter at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium, the German national football team achieved a remarkable comeback to defeat Italy 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League on March 20, 2025. This victory not only marked a significant beginning to Germany's year but also set the stage for a crucial return leg in Dortmund.
The match kicked off with a vibrant atmosphere, and it didn't take long for the home side to strike. In the ninth minute, Sandro Tonali found the back of the net for Italy, silencing a section of the 3,500 German fans present. The goal came following a swift attack that saw Tonali capitalize on a misplaced defensive effort by Germany. The early lead put pressure on the DFB-Elf, compelling them to regroup quickly.
Despite the initial setback, Germany showed resilience. Coach Julian Nagelsmann had to navigate the match without key players like Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Niclas Füllkrug due to injuries. However, he opted to include Leon Goretzka, marking his first appearance for the national team in 16 months, alongside Nadiem Amiri and Timothy Burkardt, in an attempt to revitalize the squad.
As the first half progressed, Germany struggled to find their rhythm, with Italy displaying compact defending. Several attempts came from the German side, but they were unable to penetrate Italy's organized backline. Oliver Baumann, Germany's goalkeeper, was kept busy but managed to thwart several close chances from Italian attackers, ensuring his side remained in the game.
In the second half, Nagelsmann made critical changes. Just minutes into the half, he introduced Tim Kleindienst and Nico Schlotterbeck. This substitution proved pivotal. In the 49th minute, Kleindienst capitalized on a superb cross from Joshua Kimmich, heading the ball past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to level the score. The German bench erupted in jubilation as the score was tied at 1-1.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Germany built on their momentum. The tactical adjustments appeared to pay off, with Troost's tactical awareness and quick counter-attacks giving them the upper hand. In the 77th minute, Goretzka capped off his return with a stunning header, following a well-placed corner from Kimmich. Goretzka's goal was not just significant for the match; it represented a personal triumph after a long spell away from international football.
"We want the Nations League titles, but we have a very strong opponent in front of us that we first have to defeat. That’s the task that awaits us," expressed Nagelsmann after the match, emphasizing their continued ambition in the tournament.
As the match drew to a close, Italy pushed hard for an equalizer, but Germany's defense, led by Rüdiger and Tah, stood firm. Time dwindled, and frustrations mounted for the Italians, whose attempts to breach the German backline were consistently thwarted. The referee, Francois Letexier, blew the final whistle, confirming Germany's 2-1 victory.
After the match, DFB Sports Director Rudi Völler remarked, "This is a football classic; it’s not just an ordinary match. It’s about a lot, specifically the Final Four, which we would like to host in Germany; therefore, we must eliminate the Italians." His words underscored the pressure and importance surrounding this series.
The conclusion of this first leg leaves a tantalizing prospect for the second match in Dortmund on March 23. With one foot in the semi-finals, Germany will be keen to build on this momentum while Italy, renowned for their knockout prowess, will be determined to fight back. Fans eagerly await what promises to be another gripping encounter.
