The UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash between Italy and Germany unfolded on March 20, 2025, at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan, igniting excitement among football fans worldwide. The matchup not only served as a premier football spectacle but also as a critical qualifier for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, featuring teams like the Netherlands, Spain, Croatia, France, Denmark, and Portugal all vying for glory.
As fans filled the stadium with eager anticipation, Italy was confident under the management of Luciano Spalletti, who opted for a 3-5-1-1 formation, deploying Gianluigi Donnarumma as goalkeeper and notable players including Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali in the midfield. On the opposing side, Germany, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, counting on the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka to drive their attack.
Kickoff was at 20:45, with the match televised live on Rai 1 and available for streaming on Rai Play, ensuring that fans could follow every moment of this eagerly awaited encounter.
The early stages of the match saw both teams engaging in tactical exchanges, but it was the Italians who struck first. In the 9th minute, Tonali scored, capitalizing on a pass from Barella that was initially intended for Matteo Politano. Politano's deflected cross could have created chaos, but Tonali was ready, taking advantage to net the opening goal.
Following this early lead, Italy seemed to dominate the pitch, putting pressure on the German defense and forcing their keeper, Oliver Baumann, to make critical saves. The Italian squad's performance had the home crowd roaring, filled with hope for a victory against a traditional rival.
However, the tide turned in the second half. Just four minutes in, Germany responded sharply with a goal from the newly introduced Florian Kleindienst, who connected with Kimmich’s cross to nod the ball past Donnarumma, bringing the score to 1-1.
Stunned by the quick equalizer, Italy struggled to regain their momentum. Despite attempts to mount a response, including several dangerous plays led by Kean and Raspadori, they failed to convert their chances into goals. Goretzka then delivered the decisive blow in the 76th minute, scoring off a corner that was poorly defended. The moment left the Italian side reeling and marked a significant shift in the match dynamics.
With the score at 2-1 in favor of Germany, the situation for Italy grew increasingly dire. Knowing they must win by a margin of at least two goals in the return leg, slated for March 23 in Dortmund, the Azzurri faced an uphill battle against their historic adversaries. Spalletti’s tactical choices came under scrutiny as his squad struggled to respond to Germany's late-game tactics.
In the waning minutes, Italy sought to push for an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted. Late substitution panellist Ricci and the tactical changes could not salvage a point, and the German defense remained resolute. The game ended in disappointment for the home side, with the final score reading Italy 1, Germany 2, sending the Italian team back to the drawing board as they prepare for their must-win return match.
In the aftermath, both teams will analyze key performances. For Italy, this match served as a stark reminder of the need for greater tactical flexibility, while Nagelsmann's Germany will move forward with renewed confidence as they prepare for their pursuit of the Nations League title.
