The excitement builds as Germany prepares to face Italy in the highly anticipated quarter-finals of the Nations League, set to kick off on March 20, 2025, at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan. This match holds great significance not just for bragging rights between these two football powerhouses, but also for the winner, who will qualify to host the Final Four of the league later this year.
However, the Italian squad arrives with a notable absence that could considerably affect their performance. Mateo Retegui, the 25-year-old striker from Atalanta Bergamo and currently the top scorer in Serie A with 22 goals in 27 matches, will miss the matches due to a muscle strain in his right thigh. His injury, reported by Feverpitch, is seen as a significant blow to Italy's chances against their formidable rivals. Italy is tasked with finding a way to clinch a victory without their top offensive player, potentially shifting the dynamics of the match.
On the other side, the German national team, managed by Julian Nagelsmann, looks to capitalize on this opportunity. The coach has stressed the importance of maintaining a solid defense while finding effective offensive solutions, especially considering that Jamal Musiala, a promising talent, is expected to play a key role in the attack. "Jamal Musiala will have an essential role in the attack against Italy," Nagelsmann stated during the press conference, subtly hinting at the expectations on the young forward.
In terms of lineup specifics, Nagelsmann confirmed that Oliver Baumann will be the goalkeeper for both matches, referencing "a millimeter decision" regarding his selection over Alexander Nübel, which indicates the competitive atmosphere within the team. Joshua Kimmich will start as the right-back—an adjustment many believe maximizes his capabilities to defend against Italy’s advances while aiding in offensive plays. Nagelsmann remarked on Kimmich’s performance during prior tournaments, saying, "We have analyzed his play, and he was, objectively and subjectively, the best right-back in the recent European Championships."
Additionally, Leon Goretzka appears to be set for a starting role in central midfield alongside Pascal Groß, based on Nagelsmann's emphasis on playing the best options available: "The two best players will start," he remarked, hinting at other midfield options like Angelo Stiller or Robert Andrich. With both teams bracing for an intense battle on the pitch, fans are left wondering how these tactics will pan out, especially with the weight of historical rivalry between the nations.
The first leg of this quarter-final will be broadcast live on ARD at 20:45 on March 20, with the second leg following in Dortmund three days later, aired on RTL. The stakes could not be higher, as not only does this contest determine advancement to the Final Four, but it also impacts qualification groups for the 2026 World Cup. If Germany succeeds against Italy, they would end up in Group A alongside Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. A loss, on the other hand, would place them in a far more challenging Group I against Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova, making the pressure even more palpable.
Reflecting on the last encounter between these teams in June 2022, where Germany triumphed with a remarkable score of 5-2, both sides have a lot to prove. As kick-off approaches, one can sense the anticipation across not just the teams but their passionate supporters, eager to see how this classic rivalry unfolds once more.
This quarter-final clash promises thrilling football as both teams eye victory—not only for progression in the league but to maintain national pride against their historical rivals. Fans can look forward to witnessing a strategic battle filled with skilled plays and electrifying moments as Germany and Italy go head to head on the international stage.
