In a matchup steeped in history and rivalry, Germany faced Italy on March 20, 2025, in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, hosted at the iconic San Siro in Milan. The game proved to be a tactical battle, orchestrated by two coaches at opposite ends of their careers: 37-year-old Julian Nagelsmann and 66-year-old Luciano Spalletti. With both teams eager to secure a spot in the final four, the stakes were high as they sought to capitalize on their distinct styles of play.
Nagelsmann's most surprising tactic was to position 23-year-old midfielder Angelo Stiller, a rising star from Stuttgart, while shifting veteran Joshua Kimmich, aged 30, to the right-back position. This strategic move aimed to bolster Germany's midfield creativity and adaptability against an Italian side known for its defensive solidity and pressure. "I think our fans are happy with how we are playing," said Nagelsmann, reflecting the optimistic spirit surrounding the German team, which has been undergoing a transformative period after recent disappointments.
Stiller, who has quickly become a central figure for Stuttgart since joining in the summer of 2023, marked his entry into this high-stakes environment with only four previous caps for the national team. The move to integrate Stiller into the lineup came as Germany sought to exploit the spaces offered by the Italian defense while signaling confidence in young talent as pivotal to their strategy.
Germany entered this clash following a successful group stage campaign—finishing ahead of the Netherlands, Hungary, and Bosnia. Meanwhile, Italy arrived at this encounter after placing second behind France in their group, a victim of goal difference. In an attempt to shrug off a historical winless streak against Germany dating back to 2012, the Azzurri faced a daunting challenge ahead.
Spalletti, lauded for his tactical integrity and ability to adapt, looked to reclaim Italy's place among Europe's elite teams. He deployed a solid 3-5-2 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma guarding the goal, flanked by a three-man defense led by Bastoni, and a dynamic midfield aimed at disrupting Germany's rhythm. "Italy plays brilliant football," Nagelsmann commented on his counterpart's approach, underscoring the importance of their tactical battle.
As the match unfolded, both teams exhibited a blend of strategy and skill, with Stiller's presence in the midfield along with Kimmich's tactical flexibility aiming to pose significant threats. Before joining Stuttgart, Stiller had traversed through Bayern Munich's youth system, and his transfer marked a dramatic rise in his market value—from 5.5 million euros to over 30 million euros today. Nagelsmann entrusted him to dictate pace and distribution effectively against an Italian side intent on maintaining territorial control.
The game progressed with moments of intensity as both teams vied for dominance. Italy, known for its defensive resilience, attempted to stifle Stiller’s influence while also providing their attackers the necessary freedom to break through Germany’s backline. However, Nagelsmann's tactical foresight turned the game in Germany's favor, with Kimmich transitioning from defense into a central playmaking role seamlessly, further complicating Italy's efforts.
In the end, the match concluded with Germany securing a 1-2 victory, propelling them into a strong position for the return leg. This outcome illustrated the effectiveness of Nagelsmann's adjustments and the emerging presence of young players like Stiller in carrying Germany forward.
As the two teams prepare for their return fixture in Dortmund on March 23, the implications are significant. The winner not only will march towards the final four in June but also enjoy the advantages of a more favorable qualification path leading into the 2026 World Cup. It serves not only as a competitive layer but also as a strategic advantage in shaping both teams’ futures.
The attendance of around 3,500 enthusiastic German fans at San Siro underscored the renewed optimism surrounding the team’s resurgence under Nagelsmann following a tumultuous period marked by failures in major tournaments. He remarked, "The challenge will be decided in Dortmund, but we want to win both matches," demonstrating his ambition and belief in his squad's potential.
