This Thursday marks the beginning of the highly anticipated quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, bringing together some of Europe's most prominent footballing nations. The matches promise not just thrilling competition but also significant implications for the teams involved as they vie for a spot in the prestigious Final Four.
The standout fixture in this round of matches is undoubtedly the encounter between Germany and Italy. For the first time since the introduction of the Nations League, Germany's national team participates in these knockout stages, aiming to claim its first title since it last lifted the European Championship trophy in 2014. Under the guidance of national coach Julian Nagelsmann, the Germans are stepping onto the pitch with determination and a robust squad ready to face their formidable opponents.
Italy, another powerhouse in European football, has a rich history and will be looking to assert its dominance over Germany, a nation with which it shares an intense rivalry. The stakes are incredibly high; the winner of this two-legged tie not only secures a place in the semi-finals but also has the privilege of hosting the Final Four tournament in June. Should Germany emerge victorious, cities like Stuttgart and Munich will be the tournament venues. Conversely, a win for Italy would mean the Finals would take place on home turf.
This pivotal encounter will unfold tonight, March 20, 2025, at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 local time. Fans in Germany can catch the action live on ARD, beginning at 20:15. Esther Sedlaczek and former international Bastian Schweinsteiger will provide pre-match insights, while commentator Tom Bartels will call the match live, ensuring viewers are engaged throughout the excitement.
In addition to Germany vs. Italy, football enthusiasts will also witness France take on Croatia in an electrifying match-up. France enters this quarter-final clash as one of the favorites for the title this season, having reached the knockout phase with a strong performance in their group, finishing ahead of Italy based on goal difference despite being level on points. Kylian Mbappé will make his return to the squad after being absent for six months, and his presence will be crucial for the French side.
Meanwhile, Croatia secured its place in the quarter-finals despite finishing second in their group behind Portugal. Although not overly convincing in their group matches, they have shown they can rise to the occasion during tournaments, as seen in previous competitions. Their experience in high-pressure scenarios makes them a team that cannot be underestimated.
The match between France and Croatia also kicks off at 20:45 tonight, promising to deliver an intriguing narrative as both teams seek to advance to the next stage. Fans can follow this match via DAZN, who offers a comprehensive broadcast of the Nations League, excluding matches featuring the German national team due to separate broadcasting agreements.
Other quarter-final matches occurring concurrently include Spain versus the Netherlands and Denmark facing Portugal, both airing through DAZN. These matches will be essential as they offer the participating countries the opportunity to vie for a championship title and, more importantly, showcase their footballing talents on a significant stage.
For those eager to keep track of multiple games, DAZN provides an option to watch via a conference setup, starting shortly before kick-off at 20:30. The streaming service currently offers the Super Sports package at a reduced price of just €9.99 per month, making it a compelling option for football fans eager to enjoy a full slate of matches.
As the excitement builds for these quarter-final clashes, anticipation for competitive, high-stakes football is at an all-time high. Fans across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are tuning in to witness who will secure a place in the Final Four—one step closer to lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy.
In summary, tonight's fixtures present not only crucial matches for the teams involved but also an opportunity for football fans to indulge in world-class sporting drama as the nations compete with pride on the European stage.
