Germany Overcomes Determined Italy to Advance to Nations League Semifinals
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Synopsis
Germany held off a determined Italy team that fought back from three goals down, finishing the match 3-3 and winning on aggregate 5-4 to secure a spot in the UEFA Nations League semifinals. Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised their dominant first-half performance while recognizing the need for further improvements.
Key Takeaways
- Germany dominated the first half, scoring three goals.
- Italy fought back valiantly, scoring two late goals.
- VAR played a crucial role in crucial decisions.
- Germany will face Portugal in the semifinals.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledges the need for improvement.
Berlin, March 24 (NationPress) Italy mounted a comeback from a three-goal deficit, but Germany's superior first-half display was sufficient to secure a 3-3 draw on Sunday, advancing them 5-4 on aggregate to the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League.
Having won the initial match 2-1, Julian Nagelsmann's squad quickly asserted their dominance.
Early attempts from Leon Goretzka, Maximilian Mittelstadt, and Jamal Musiala set the early pace, with Leroy Sane testing Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a low effort in the 27th minute, reported Xinhua.
The breakthrough occurred three minutes later when Tim Kleindienst was fouled in the area following a slick move, allowing Joshua Kimmich to convert the penalty, sending Donnarumma the wrong way and doubling Germany's aggregate lead.
Germany struck again just five minutes later. Donnarumma managed to deny Kleindienst’s close-range header but could not prevent Musiala from heading in after a corner, thanks to Kimmich’s precise delivery.
The home side maintained their relentless pressure. Another fluid attack saw Kimmich deliver a perfectly weighted cross, which Kleindienst met with a flicked header to extend Germany's lead to 3-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
Italy was determined to fight back, and Moise Kean took advantage of a defensive mistake to launch a powerful shot into the bottom corner. Mittelstadt tested Donnarumma again shortly after, but the dynamic began to shift.
The visitors kept pushing and were rewarded midway through the half. Substitute Giacomo Raspadori delivered a precise pass to Kean, who scored with a brilliant finish into the top corner, bringing the score to 3-2.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo seemed to have earned a penalty after contact with Nico Schlotterbeck, but VAR intervened, overturning the decision.
In stoppage time, a VAR call favored Italy when a handball was detected during a corner. Raspadori converted the penalty into the top corner, leveling the match and putting Italy within a goal of extra time.
Nevertheless, Germany's defense remained resolute, clearing crosses and disrupting Italy's rhythm to secure the match. Their commanding first-half performance proved crucial.
This result propels Germany into the semifinals, where they will clash with Portugal on June 4, with the final matches to be held in Stuttgart and Munich.
“We delivered an incredible first half, but we recognize that there is still much work ahead,” stated Germany coach Nagelsmann.
