Nations League: Italy's Heroic Effort Falls Short as Germany Advances to Semifinals
The Germany national team has secured their place in the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League after defeating Italy on aggregate. Following their 2-1 win in the first leg, Die Mannschaft couldn’t replicate the same result on home soil, but a hard-fought draw was enough to send them through to the next round.
By halftime, Germany were already in a commanding 3-0 lead, thanks to a penalty from Joshua Kimmich and goals from Jamal Musiala and David Raum. Musiala’s goal, in particular, was nothing short of bizarre. While the Italy players were engaged in a verbal exchange, the Germans took a quick corner kick and found the back of the net with ease, as the entire Italian team was still inside their own penalty area! The goal was reminiscent of Liverpool's dramatic comeback against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League a few years ago.
In the second half, a transformed Italy side came out with renewed energy. Thanks to goals from Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori, the Azzurri mounted a spirited comeback, leveling the score. However, despite their late surge, Italy couldn’t get the fourth goal and is out of the Nations League playoffs.
Nations League 2024-2025
Germany - Italy 3:3 (3:0)
Goals: Kimmich, 30 (penalty) (1:0); Musiala, 36 (2:0); Kleindienst, 45 (3:0); Kean M., 49 (3:1); Kean M., 69 (3:2); Raspadori, 95 (penalty) (3:3)
Germany: Baumann; Rudiger (Bisseck, 77); Tah J.; Schlotterbeck N.; Mittelstädt; Kimmich; Stiller (Groß, 63); Goretzka (Amiri N., 63); Sane L. (Adeyemi K., 63); Musiala (Andrich, 77); Kleindienst
Bench: Nübel; Ortega S.; Koch; Leweling; Raum D.; Burkardt; Undav
Yellow Cards: Stiller 22; Adeyemi K. 68; Kleindienst 79
Italy: Donnarumma G.; Bastoni; Buongiorno; Gatti (Politano, 46); Di Lorenzo; Udogie; Barella; Ricci S. (Zaccagni, 85); Tonali (Raspadori, 68); Kean M. (Lucca L., 85); Maldini D. (Frattesi, 46)
Bench: Meret; Vicario G.; Bellanova; Comuzzo; Ruggeri; Rovella; Casadei
Yellow Cards: Gatti 21; Buongiorno 29; Bastoni 79; Udogie 99
