Germany Alters Squad for Critical Nations League Clash Against Italy

DORTMUND, Germany — Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann has made four changes to his starting lineup for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second leg against Italy, taking place on March 23, 2025, in Dortmund.

In response to Germany’s 2-1 victory in the first leg in Milan, Nagelsmann has introduced Nico Schlotterbeck, Angelo Stiller, Maximilian Mittelstädt, and Tim Kleindienst to the starting 11. Players David Raum, Pascal Groß, Nadiem Amiri, and Jonathan Burkardt will begin the match on the bench.

Schlotterbeck is expected to play left in a three-man defensive setup alongside captain Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah, with Oliver Baumann continuing as goalkeeper, maintaining his position after a solid performance in the first leg.

The midfield will consist of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Stiller, and Mittelstädt, while Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala will support striker Kleindienst.

Notably, Kimmich’s cross was pivotal in the first leg, setting up the equalizer scored by Kleindienst, who came on as a substitute. Nagelsmann remarked on his tactical approach ahead of the match, stating, “For us, it’s important to remain tactically flexible, especially since Italy plays with three playmakers.”

In the buildup to the match, Nagelsmann emphasized the need for his team to take a 0-0 mentality into the game, aiming to secure victory regardless of their first-leg advantage. “We are well advised to approach this as if it’s a new game,” he said during the press conference.

Injury troubles hit the Italian side ahead of the clash as they will miss top striker Mateo Retegui due to a right thigh muscle strain, a significant loss for the four-time World Cup champions.

The final lineups are as follows: For Germany: Baumann – Rüdiger, Tah, Schlotterbeck – Kimmich, Stiller, Goretzka, Mittelstädt – Sané, Musiala – Kleindienst. Coach: Nagelsmann. For Italy: Donnarumma – Gatti, Buongiorno, Bastoni – Ricci, Di Lorenzo, Barella, Tonali, Udogie – Kean, Maldini. Coach: Spalletti.

With the match taking place at the packed Signal Iduna Park, Germany aims to secure an aggregate lead to advance to the Final Four tournament scheduled for June in Munich and Stuttgart.