Germany have put themselves in a strong position to progress to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s side came from behind to win 2-1 in the first leg against Italy at the San Siro in Milan. Tim Kleindienst equalised in the 49th minute after Sandro Tonali had given Italy the lead (9’). Leon Goretzka then headed home to make it 2-1 (76’). The second leg will take place in Dortmund on Sunday (20:45 CET).
Oliver Baumann started in goal behind centre-halves Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah. David Raum and captain Joshua Kimmich were the full-backs. Pascal Groß and Goretzka started in defensive midfield, while Jamal Musiala and Nadiem Amiri operated as the creative axis behind Leroy Sané and Jonathan Burkardt, who made his first start for the national team.
After Germany had controlled the game in the early stages, Italy took the lead with their first chance on the counterattack. After a long switch of play, Matteo Politano sprinted forward on the right before pulling it back to Tonali, who had the simple task of slotting into an empty net. Germany then tried to settle back into the game with quick passing play, but initially struggled to find any gaps in an Italy defence that sat deep. The visitors first chance saw Goretzka’s header drop onto the roof of the net (15’), before a well-struck volley from the Bayern midfielder a few minutes was too close to the goalkeeper (19’).
Baumann saves well from Tonali and Kean
Germany read starting to pile on the pressure more and more, and the Italian defence had to deal with a succession of crosses into the penalty area. The Squadra Azzurra continued to break forward themselves though. Tonali tested Baumann with a strike from distance (30’), as did Moise Kean from a tight angle when he found himself free in the box (32’).
At the other end, Italy were just about be able to clear the ball away from Burkardt’s feet (40’). Just before half time, Amiri tried his luck with a free kick on the edge of the area, but he fired just over (42’).
Small service with a goal off the bench
Nagelsmann made a couple of changes at the break, as Nico Schlotterbeck and Tim Kleindienst replaced Raum and Burkardt, and Kleindienst made an almost instant impact. Kimmich fired a perfect cross in from deep, and the substitute was on the penalty spot to head home and leave the goalkeeper with no chance. Germany shall be now in the mood. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to deny Kimmich at the final moment after the captain was played through by an excellent ball from Goretzka (53’).
Italy brushed themselves off and looked to hit back. Destiny Udogie headed into the side of the netting after arriving at the far post (56’). In the 66th minute, Jamie Leweling came on for Amiri, just before Kean hammered a shot narrowly over the bar. Soon after, Baumann saved brilliantly with his feet from Giacomo Raspadori (67’). This was now an end-to-end encounter. Kimmich crossed into the centre, but Goretzka headed wide on this occasion.
Goretzka completes the turnaround
The midfielder made no mistake with his next opportunity though, nodding home Kimmich’s corner to give his side the lead. Almost straight from kick-off, Baumann pulled off a superb reflex save after the ball had deflected off Kleindienst from a corner (78’).
Nagelsmann made his fourth change as he brought on Karim Adeyemi for Sané (82’). Italy now pressed for the equaliser, but were unable to find a way past Baumann. The ‘keeper saved a curling effort from distance by Daniel Maldini (85’). Robert Andrich’s arrival in place of Groß knocked a bit more time off the clock (90’), and Germany held on for the away win.
