In an exciting Nations League quarterfinal first leg, Italy faced Germany at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium on March 20, 2025. The Italian squad, making their third consecutive appearance beyond the UNL group stage, started strong with Nicolo Barella facilitating a swift attack.
Barella's quick pass released Matteo Politano, who raced ahead of German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Politano delivered a pass across the box, where Sandro Tonali capitalized, curling the ball into the net expertly, after Jonathan Tah could only deflect it towards him. This stunning goal set the tone for Italy's early advantage.
Even though Germany controlled possession in the first half, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Leon Goretzka managed to test Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a low drive, but Italy’s counter-attacks were swift and lethal.
Leading up to halftime, Italy squandered several opportunities to widen their lead. Baumann made impressive saves, denying attempts by Tonali and Moise Kean, as the Italians struggled to find a second goal, a problem that has plagued them in their past meetings against Germany.
Things took a turn in the second half when German coach Julian Nagelsmann made a notable tactical decision, introducing Tim Kleindienst at halftime. This switch proved to be effective; Kleindienst met a deep cross from Joshua Kimmich and directed it past Donnarumma, leveling the match at one goal apiece. This marked Kleindienst's third goal in five international appearances for Germany.
The game then entered a tense period, with both teams vying for dominance. Italy pressed hard for a second goal, but as chances came and went, their determination only seemed to deepen the tension. Kean fired a shot over the bar and Giacomo Raspadori was denied yet again by Baumann, who was in fine form.
In a twist of fate, it was Germany who struck next. Kimmich took a corner that grazed Goretzka before trickling into the net, giving the Germans a 2-1 lead with just 15 minutes remaining. The stunned Italians found themselves having to rally for an equalizer, but their desperate efforts were thwarted by a resolute German defense. Struggling to finish in front of goal and capitalize on their chances, Italy could not manage a comeback before the final whistle.
The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Germany, who claimed an important first-leg advantage, leaving Italy with the urgent need to win the second leg on March 23, 2025, in order to advance past this round for the first time since 2012. The Flashscore Man of the Match was awarded to Joshua Kimmich, underlining his exceptional performance throughout the encounter.
