Italy vs Germany 1-2: Azzurri Shocked After First Half Illusion | OneFootball

A first half illusion for the Azzurri, then Germany took over and wrapped a key 1-2 win at the San Siro in the first leg of the 2024/25 Nations League Quarter Finals. Sandro Tonali put Italy ahead after just nine minutes, but Die Mannschaft turned things around in the second half with two headers, the specialty of the house, powered by substitute Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka.

Not all is lost for Luciano Spalletti and his boys, who will face Germany again on Sunday in Dortmund. However, Italy’s night was full of regrets, considering how the first half went, and ended on a sour note as Riccardo Calafiori picked up what looked like a nasty knee injury.

Italy conceded two goals from set pieces, showing once again a problem that was already evident in the last few games. Even Spalletti himself was adamant about that in his post-match remarks: “Everybody knows it, and we know it as well. But we need to move past it, otherwise this will become a psychosis.”

The Azzurri are now winless against Germany in seven games, since that legendary Euro 2012 Semi Final (Mario Balotelli and his iconic flexing celebration, remember that?). To prevail in this double-confrontation against Die Mannschaft would mean for the Azzurri to land in a small, likely easier Qualifiers group on the path towards the 2026 World Cup. See below our LIVE UPDATES from tonight’s game:

FULL TIME – Italy vs Germany 1-2

Italy’s night ended on a low note as Riccardo Calafiori picked up what looked like a knee injury and had to leave the pitch before full time. Germany didn’t suffer any additional threat during stoppage time and defended themselves with composure, wrapping a key 1-2 win away.

90th Minute – Four Minutes of Added Time

The Azzurri will have four more minutes to try to snatch at least a tie tonight…

85th Minute – Nice Volley from Daniel Maldini

A fine effort from the Atalanta striker, but his shot was parried back by Baumann…

83rd Minute – Lucca and Frattesi Are Spalletti’s Final Moves

Luciano Spalletti’s final additions were Lorenzo Lucca and Davide Frattesi. They replaced Moise Kean and Nicolò Barella, while Julian Nagelsmann sent Karim Adeyemi in.

80th Minute – Furious Assault by Italy

The Azzurri reacted and pushed themselves forward, looking for an equalizer. Baumann saved again from Tonali, then Nicolò Barella’s shot ended wide of the net.

76th Minute – Goretzka Completes Germany’s Comeback

Another header, another goal for Germany, and yet another one conceded by Italy from a set piece. Leon Goretzka deflected the ball from a Joshua Kimmich corner just as much as it was needed to catch Gianluigi Donnarumma by surprise. Germany have completed their comeback.

71th Minute – It’s Time for Maldini

The third in line in the Maldini Dynasty – Atalanta’s youngster Daniel – made his entrance to the pitch, replacing Giacomo Raspadori.

66th Minute – A Golden Chance Wasted by Raspadori!

A golden chance for Giacomo Raspadori, but the Napoli man saw his effort thwarted by Oliver Baumann. The German goalie made a fine save, but Raspadori should have made something more out of Sandro Tonali’s filtering pass…

64th Minute – Double Change for Spalletti, Bellanova and Ricci Come In

Spalletti came up with a double change: He sent in Raoul Bellanova for Matteo Politano and Samuele Ricci for Nicolò Rovella. On the German side, Jamie Leweling replaced a disappointing Nadiem Amiri two minutes later.

53rd Minute – Donnarumma Blocks Kimmich

Germany have gained courage now! Donnarumma had go above and beyond to block Joshua Kimmich’s incursion and deflect his shot in corner…

49th Minute – Kleindienst Comes In and Equalizes for Germany

Julian Nagelsmann came up with the right substitution as Tim Kleindiest, who had just replaced Jonathan Burkardt after the restart, immediately drew level for Germany. Kleindiest made it 1-1 with a perfectly-timed header, but Jerome Musiala did the heavylifting with a fantastic cross to pick him in the middle of the box.

The German coach also replaced David Raum with Nico Schlotterbeck.

45th Minute – Azzurri Leading by One at Half Time

A convincing first half performance for Luciano Spalletti’s boys! The Azzurri found the back of the net with Sandro Tonali after nine minutes and came close to adding a second with Tonali again and Moise Kean. The Germans dominated the ball possession but appeared vulnerable on the counter and it was Italy to create the most dangerous chances.

32nd Minute – Baumann Thwarts Tonali and Kean Plans for Second Goal

From a free kick taken by Giacomo Raspadori, Sandro Tonali aimed at his second goal of the night with a long-range screamer which drew a save from Oliver Baumann. Two minutes later, the German goalie also denied Moise Kean, well picked by Politano, deflecting his conclusion past the crossbar.

20th Minute – Goretzka Again! Shot Saved by Donnarumma

The Bayern Munich midfielder came up with a violent but central shot, which Gianluigi Donnarumma had no problem to block.

15th Minute – Goretza’s Header Ends Off Target

Germany’s first scoring chance was a Leon Goretzka’s header that ended on the upper net. Germany have had most of the ball possession so far, but Italy showed they can be very dangerous on the counter…

9th Minute – Italy Ahead! Tonali Puts the Azzurri in the Driving Seat

The Azzurri draw first blood! It was Sandro Tonali to open the scoring for the home side despite Germany having appeared more in control so far. But Die Mannschaft was caught by surprise when Nicolò Barella conjured a fantastic diagonal pass for Matteo Politano along the right flank.

The Napoli winger’s pass in the middle of the box was cleared by the defense, but Tonali pounced on the ball and fired it into the untended goal to give the Azzurri the lead!

A great start for Italy, who seemed to suffer Germany’s pressure from the start but managed to defend themselves with composure, then stroke as soon as they had their chance.

Before Kick-Off – Some Italian Fans Booing at the German Anthem, Poor Figure as Usual…

Once Again, part of the home crowd at the San Siro covered themselves with shame as they booed when the German anthem was sung. A shameful behavior, just like a few months ago when France paid a visit in the last group stage game. We said it back then, and we’ll never stop saying that: This is BAD, and it needs to stop. Luckily enough, a good portion of the San Siro tried to counter and cover the boos with applause.

Italy Official Lineup – Politano and Udogie to Play as Wingbacks

Spalletti will line up Italy in a 3-5-2 fashion. With both designated wingbacks – Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Dimarco – unavailable, it will be up to Matteo Politano and Destiny Udogie to marshal the flanks. Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella will form a solid midfield line, with Nicolò Rovella playing deeper.

No surprises in defense as Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, and Riccardo Calafiori will play ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.

Upfront, Spalletti can’t count on the current Serie A capocannoniere Mateo Retegui. The attacking pair will be Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori.

MATCH SCORECARD

March 20, 2025 – Nations League Quarter FinalsITALY – GERMANY 1-2

SCORERS: 9′ Tonali (I), 49′ Kleindienst (G), 76′ Goretzka (G)