A query from Dortmund: Which one is the true Italy? The frightened, confused lineup that was brutally worn out by Germany within the first half on the Sign Iduna Park tonight? Or the courageous, gritty facet that canceled a three-goal deficit and even went near wrap a sensational comeback?
The second leg of the Nations League Quarter Last between Germany and Italy ended 3-3, a textbook sport of two halves which Die Mannschaft dominated for 45 minutes, and which the Azzurri managed to rebalance proper after they appeared about to collapse.
But it surely was not sufficient. Germany superior 5-4 on combination and received the fitting to play within the event Semi Finals. Extra importantly, maybe, they landed in a smaller, simpler World Cup 2026 Qualifiers group whereas Italy’s elimination means they must battle by a five-team pool additionally that includes Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Regardless of their touching, much-needed second-half response, although, tonight’s sport confirmed that Italy are nonetheless one stage beneath the highest European sides like Germany, France, or Spain. Plus, the Azzurri continued to indicate some occasional, disconcerting brief circuits just like the one which led to the Germans’ second aim tonight – which Jerome Musiala scored whereas the entire of Italy protection was busy quarreling with the referee…
Lengthy story brief, there’s nonetheless a lot work to do for Luciano Spalletti.
The Tuscanian coach made 4 adjustments within the lineup that . Riccardo Calafiori’s damage compelled him to plug the opening within the protection by deploying Alessandro Buongiorno. His further substitutions had been made for tactical causes as Federico Gatti took Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s place within the again three. The Napoli man moved to proper wingback, with Matteo Politano dropping to the bench.
Samuele Ricci changed Nicolò Rovella within the midfield whereas Daniel Maldini changed Giacomo Raspadori upfront, thus incomes his first Azzurri cap as a starter.
However these adjustments didn’t work and the primary half, merely put, was an agony for Italy. Germany’s stress was asphyxiating, each set piece despatched a shiver down Spalletti’s again. The Germans had been dominating from all factors of view – techniques, aggressiveness, focus. The Azzurri by some means managed to maintain issues in steadiness till the twenty ninth minute, when Tim Kleindienst was picked in the course of the field by Leon Goretzka and compelled Buongiorno to foul him. Joshua Kimmich’s conversion from the spot was excellent.
Nagelsmann’s facet was already having a straightforward time, however what occurred a couple of minutes later was frankly disconcerting. From a Kimmich cross, Kleindienst referred to as Donnarumma to a spectacular save. Too unhealthy that Italy’s goalkeeper then began to quarrel with the referee, and his protection adopted alongside. Within the meantime, the Germans took the nook kick and Musiala, nearly incredulous, might simply slot the ball into the again of the online whereas the Azzurri saved bickering and didn’t understand that play had resumed.
Italy’s response solely resulted in two lengthy vary pictures from Maldini and Sandro Tonali, which each went out of goal. Germany, alternatively, had been cruel and made it three earlier than half time with one other Kleindienst header which Donnarumma managed to push again solely when the ball had crossed the aim line.
With a three-goal deficit, it seemed like Italy’s solely objective within the second half might be to keep away from additional blushes. However Spalletti wanted a response from his males, and a response he bought. The coach despatched in Politano and Davide Frattesi, pulling out Gatti and Maldini. Matteo Politano retook his spot at proper winback as Di Lorenzo moved again in protection.
4 minutes into the second half, the rating modified once more. Generally even the Germans make a mistake: a misunderstanding between Leroy Sané and Kimmich resulted in Moise Kean touching the ball maybe for the primary time, and the Fiorentina synthetic the very best out of his likelihood with a pointy shot that left Oliver Baumann hapless.
It was like Die Mannschaft pulled the brakes too early. Italy, alternatively, gained extra braveness and Giacomo Raspadori’s introduction on 68 minutes provided the Azzurri with extra firepower upfront. The Napoli backup striker instantly confirmed feeling with Kean and, only one minute after his introduction, served him with a effective cross in the course of the field. Kean dribbled previous Jonathan Tah and located the fitting spot previous Baumann with a scientific proper foot strike.
Being down by one aim solely after such a dreadful first half appeared nearly too good to be true and issues might have gotten even higher when Nico Schlotterbeck knocked Di Lorenzo down within the field. The referee initially allowed a penalty to Italy however modified his thoughts after checking the VAR because the German defender appeared to have touched the ball earlier than hitting the Napoli proper again.
Donnarumma saved Italy afloat on 82 minutes, saving from Kimmich’s free-kick rocket, then Yann Bisseck’s header went out simply by a couple of inches. However, the steadiness switched in Italy’s favor once more when defender Maximilian Mittelstadt got here up with a slipshod handball within the field from a Mattia Zaccagni nook kick. This time, the VAR dominated within the Azzurri‘s favor and despatched Raspadori to the penalty spot.
Raspadori despatched Baumann the flawed means and made it 3-3, prompting Italy’s remaining assault that gave Germany fairly a couple of scares however didn’t bore any further fruits.
The Azzurri‘s response within the second half was electrifying and that must be their start line as they put together to face Norway away in June for his or her World Cup Qualifiers opener. Nevertheless, our query stands: Which Italy will journey to Oslo?
MATCH SCORECARD
March 23, 2025 – Nations League Quarter FinalsGERMANY – ITALY 3-3
SCORERS: 30′ Kimmich (G, pen.), 36′ Musiala (G), 45′ Kleindienst (G), 50′ Kean (I), 69′ Kean (I), 95′ Raspadori (I, pen.)