Germany's national football team made a significant stride towards the Final Four of the Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Italy in Milan on March 20, 2025. This historic win, marking the first time Germany has triumphed on Italian soil in 39 years, has fueled hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
The game kicked off at Milan's iconic San Siro, where Italian fans initially buoyed their team. They were rewarded early, as Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali scored just nine minutes into the match, placing Germany on the back foot.
Despite the setback, the German team maintained more ball possession and sought to exploit gaps in Italy's defense. Oliver Baumann, Germany’s goalkeeper, made crucial saves to keep his team in the game, showcasing his skills against the relentless Italian offense.
Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann made strategic adjustments at halftime, bringing in forward Tim Kleindienst and defender Nico Schlotterbeck. This move proved pivotal; Kleindienst scored the equalizer shortly after the break, catching the Italian defense off guard with a powerful header from a precise Joshua Kimmich cross.
In the 76th minute, it was Goretzka who emerged as the hero. Returning to the national team for the first time in 16 months, Goretzka scored the winning goal with another header, again from a Kimmich assist. Nagelsmann praised Goretzka’s performance, stating, "Leon has had an outstanding game, also defensively. He was often in the box."
On a personal note, Goretzka expressed his happiness post-match: "It's a very nice story. Before the game, you sometimes dare to imagine such a scenario, and I did this time too." His words highlight the emotional significance of the match, not only for him but for the team as a whole.
In contrast, Italy, under the management of Luciano Spalletti, struggled to find a response after Germany's resurgence. The early goal blunted their attacking momentum, and the German substitutions added much-needed vigor to the visitors' performance.
After trailing at halftime, the Germans came out with renewed energy. The tactical reshuffle evidently paid off, as they began to apply pressure and create opportunities. Their increased offensive output saw them dominate possession in the latter half of the match.
Germany’s performance is a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess, presenting a stark turnaround from the first half, where they appeared listless against a strong Italian side. In that opening period, aside from Italy's goal, Germany struggled to make any significant impact in the attacking third despite controlling the ball for long stretches.
With this result, Germany is now in a promising position ahead of the second leg scheduled for March 23, 2025, in Dortmund. Should they secure another victory, they will qualify for the Nations League final, which is set to be hosted in Munich and Stuttgart.
This win not only boosts Germany's confidence but also sets them up for a robust 2025, with the World Cup looming in the future. Nagelsmann is keen to maintain this momentum, emphasizing the importance of winning games as a way to build up the team's mentality for upcoming challenges.
As the team prepares for the return leg, Germany can look toward their historical performance as a motivating factor, recalling that their last triumph in Italy dates back to February 5, 1986. The ghosts of the past have been exorcised, and now, the focus shifts to continuing this newfound momentum.
With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, the DFB-Elf aims not only to progress in this tournament but also to restore their reputation on the international stage leading up to future competitions. The stage is set for another thrilling encounter in Dortmund, where the hopes of a nation rest squarely on the shoulders of its players, as they gear up for a decisive clash against the Azzurri.
Germany's victory in Milan is a statement to both their fans and their opponents: the DFB-Elf is back, and they are ready to compete at the highest levels once again.
