Germany Defeats Italy in Nations League Quarter-Final First Leg

MILAN, Italy — Germany secured a thrilling comeback victory over Italy, winning 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final on March 20, 2025. This marks Germany’s first away triumph against Italy in 39 years.

Italy struck first when Sandro Tonali scored with a deft first-time finish after a defensive clearance from Jonathan Tah. The goal came in the 18th minute, igniting hopes for the Azzurri as they sought to extend their unbeaten home streak against Germany, which had reached five matches.

However, Germany responded robustly. Leon Goretzka came close to leveling the score before halftime, testing Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on two occasions. The breakthrough came early in the second half when substitute Tim Kleindienst headed the ball home from Joshua Kimmich‘s cross, bringing the match back to even at 1-1 in the 52nd minute.

As the game progressed, Italy ramped up their attacking efforts. Moise Kean threatened with a powerful shot that sailed over the bar, and Germany’s Oliver Baumann made a crucial save, denying Giacomo Raspadori with an instinctive leg stop. Nevertheless, Goretzka eventually scored the winning goal in the 76th minute, once again connecting with a Kimmich delivery.

The closing moments were tense, as Kleindienst nearly scored an own goal while attempting to clear a cross. Baumann’s quick reflexes preserved the lead, allowing Germany to maintain their narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti expressed disappointment post-match, as his team’s efforts were unable to secure at least a draw. “We had several opportunities, and I felt we controlled large parts of the game. It’s frustrating not to take anything from this match,” he stated.

Spalletti also confirmed that defender Riccardo Calafiori would require medical assessment after suffering a left knee injury late in the game.

This result punctuates Italy’s five-match unbeaten streak at home against Germany, with the last time Germany won away from home against Italy occurring in February 1986.

The two teams will meet again for the decisive second leg in Dortmund on March 23, 2025, with kickoff set for 19:45 GMT. The winners will advance to face either Denmark or Portugal in the semi-finals of the competition.