Goretzka guides Germany to first-leg comeback victory over Italy

Die Mannschaft faced Italy tonight in the first-leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie which resulted in a 2-1 win for the visitors.

Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany came from behind to snatch victory at the San Siro against a physical and well-drilled Italian side. The result will delight Die Mannschaft fans and their 37-year-old head coach who will now prepare for the second-leg of their quarter-final tie which is scheduled for 8:45pm (CET) in Dortmund this Sunday.

The game burst into life in the 9th-minute as Italy hit the front. A perfectly weighted ball allowed Matteo Politano to get in behind David Raum on the right flank. Jonathan Tah managed to direct the winger’s pass away from Moise Kean, but the ball broke to Sandro Tonali who slammed home with a first-time effort.

Germany eased into the occasion after that, with Leon Goretzka nodding over from a set-piece move. The in-form Bayern Munich midfielder tested Gianluigi Donnarumma from range approaching the 20th-minute. Italy responded with a snapshot from Tonali which Oliver Baumann parried to safety. 

The Hoffenheim shot-stopper was required again minutes later – a sublime save to deny a powerful Moise Kean near-post effort. Nagelsmann’s men finished the half on a high as the Mainz duo of Burkardt and Amiri came close – the former had his shot saved by Italian bodies, while the latter blazed over from a free-kick.

Visibly dissatisfied with his team’s first-half showing, Julian Nagelsmann made a double alteration at the break with Nico Schlotterbeck and Tim Kleindienst replacing Raum and Burkardt. The Gladbach striker made an instant impact inside four minutes when he latched onto Joshua Kimmich’s cross and restored parity with a thumping header. 

Play became fragmented before and after the hour point as both teams wrestled for control of the game. Stuttgart man Jamie Lewelling replaced Nadiem Amiri with 25 minutes remaining. Giacomo Raspadori eventually found space for a shot, but the 25-year-old telegraphed it as Baumann read his attempt to curl it to the net with a left-footed parry. 

With just under 15 minutes remaining, Die Mannschaft surged into a 2-1 lead. Once again, Kimmich proved to be the catalyst – a delightful corner glanced home by Leon Goretzka who charged to the front post. The Azzurri almost replied in a flash as a deflection off Kleindienst brought the best out of Baumann who was on his toes. 

Germany’s 34-year-old goalkeeper kept Daniel Maldini at bay from range late on. Nagelsmann looked to ensure defensive solidity as the action approached it’s conclusion with Robert Andrich taking over from Pascal Groß. Four minutes of additional time did nothing for Luciano Spalletti’s side who were consigned to defeat.

Our player ratings for Germany’s performance can be found at this link.