In a clash between two of the world's prominent footballing nations, Italy hosted Germany on March 20, 2025, in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. The Azzurri, led by coach Luciano Spalletti, aimed to assert their dominance, while Germany, under Julian Nagelsmann, sought to continue their winning streak in the tournament.
Italy named a squad of 25 players in preparation for the two-legged quarter-final series. However, with a maximum of 23 players allowed on matchday, two individuals had to miss out on the first leg. Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso and Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo were not assigned matchday numbers, as Italia made their final adjustments before kick-off. In a notable team change, Mateo Retegui returned to Atalanta for further assessment due to injury, leading to the inclusion of Raoul Bellanova as Cambiaso's replacement.
The absence of key players was felt, notably with first-choice left wing-back Federico Dimarco sidelined with a thigh injury. Spalletti expressed his hopes for Dimarco's return at the end of March. Additionally, Matteo Retegui's expected role in the front line was disrupted by his muscle injury, handing Moise Kean the opportunity to wear the no.9 shirt and potentially start against the German side.
The first leg match was crucial, as Italy had come off an impressive performance in the group stages prior to their defeat against France, while Germany boasted an unbeaten record in the Nations League up to this point. They were also recognized as the highest-scoring team in the tournament, coming into this match with considerable confidence.
Kick-off for the match was set for 8:45 p.m. CET. Football fans around the globe tuned in, with various platforms offering live coverage, including Amazon Prime Video in the UK, Optus Sport in Australia, and DAZN in Canada. For viewers in the United States, Spanish-language service Vix provided an option to catch the action.
The encounter itself was expected to be intense, given the historical rivalry that exists between the two nations. In their previous meeting during the 2022 group stage, Germany triumphed impressively over Italy, defeating them 5-2 at Borussia-Park. Given the stakes of this match, both teams understood the significance of the moment—not just for the tournament but for their respective legacies.
As the match unfolded, Germany demonstrated their prowess early on. Leon Goretzka, returning to the national team after a lengthy absence, scored the winning goal. His performance brought a vital sense of experience and stability back to the team. Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's head coach, highlighted Goretzka's importance, mentioning how the experienced player combined effective attacking threat with solid build-up play.
Even with star players such as Kylian Mbappé focusing on the championship challenge, every player was keen to show their worth ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tactical execution of Nagelsmann's game plan in Milan showcased both strategy and adaptability, even in the face of Italy's historical strength on the pitch.
Interestingly, approximately 3,500 fans from Germany made the trip to Milan, setting a recent record for an away match. Their presence and support were noticeable throughout the game, with the atmosphere energized as the teams traded chances during the match.
The final score reflected Germany's tactical superiority that night, as they edged Italy. The definitive leg slated for March 24, 2025, at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, now loomed large as both sides prepared for the decisive showdown.
The Nations League has increasingly served as a significant stage for teams fine-tuning their capabilities ahead of upcoming major tournaments. Such encounters not only hone skills and solidify strategies but also excite fans eager to see their teams perform at the highest level. Both Spain and Croatia emerged victorious in their respective matches this round, proving that the competition presents formidable challenges at every stage.
This riveting quarter-final matchup on March 20 brought together tactical refinements, skilled play, and the anticipation of fans worldwide. With fans eager to see how the return leg unfolds, expectations for Germany’s home ground advantage and Italy's relentless pursuit of victory are sky-high. Tune in as both teams battle for supremacy in this exciting football saga.
