Germany emerged victorious in a tense quarter-final match against Italy in the UEFA Nations League, winning 2:1 after a thrilling turnaround at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan on March 20, 2025.
The match, which started at 20:45 local time, was broadcast live on ARD and commenced with pre-match coverage at 20:15. The encounter marked the beginning of the DFB team’s ambitions in 2025, facing their historic rivals in a defining tournament.
Italy initially took control of the match, with Sandro Tonali scoring in the 9th minute after a well-constructed play that caught the German defense off guard, putting Germany on the back foot early on. Despite Germany looking to equalize, they entered halftime trailing 1:0, needing a significant shift in momentum to turn the game in their favor.
During the first half, Germany struggled against Italy's structured gameplay, with opportunities few and far between. Oliver Baumann, stepping in for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, was called into action multiple times to keep the Germans in the contest against Italy's offensive pressure. The Italians had more clear chances, hitting the German net well before any German equalizer was in sight.
However, the tide turned shortly after the break. Germany was revitalized when Tim Kleindienst, who had been brought in as a substitution, scored just three minutes into the second half. Receiving a precise delivery from Joshua Kimmich, Kleindienst leveled the score with a well-placed header. It was a remarkable moment for the player, who made an immediate impact in the match by providing the urgency that Germany needed.
The momentum shifted decisively towards Germany following this goal, and they began to assert more pressure on the Italian defense. A series of tactical adjustments, including the introduction of players like Nico Schlotterbeck, enhanced Germany's performance as they sought the lead.
In the 76th minute, Leon Goretzka, who made his return after a significant hiatus from the national squad, scored a spectacular header that put Germany in front. Kimmich’s corner kick was met by Goretzka, who leapt significantly above the defensive line to guide the ball into the net. Goretzka's performance was commendable, and this goal encapsulated the tireless effort and resiliency that defined the German side during the match.
With a 2:1 lead, Germany fortified their defenses while Italy pushed for an equalizer. Baumann showcased his goalkeeping prowess, making crucial saves in the dying minutes of the game, including one remarkable reaction save to preserve Germany's lead.
The match concluded with Germany clinching an important away victory, setting them up nicely for the return leg in Dortmund on March 23, 2025, where a draw will suffice for Germany to advance to the semi-finals.
The stakes are notably high, as the winner of this quarter-final will host the Final Four in the Nations League later in June. Following this excellent performance, the German team is now poised with newfound confidence heading into Dortmund, where they aim to finalize their ticket to the next stage of the tournament.
This victory also builds on Germany's successful history against Italy, having won their last meeting in June 2022 with a commanding 5:2 scoreline, demonstrating that the current squad is not only equipped to compete but also to excel under pressure.
For fans and analysts alike, the match served up thrilling football and highlighted the strengths of both teams. Germany's attacking style and determined defense juxtaposed with Italy's traditional fortitude made for a captivating encounter, emphasizing the rich football heritage both nations embody.
As the sports community reflects on this quarter-final clash, excitement continues to build for what’s next in this storied rivalry, reigniting passion for a game that once again proved why football remains the world’s premier sport.
