Germany defeats Italy in the quarter-finals of the Nations League
With goals in the second half, the German team seeks a comeback and takes the advantage to Sunday’s game
GERMAN TURN!
Germany came from behind to beat Italy 2-1 at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium (San Siro) and took the lead in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals. Despite having more possession and putting more pressure on the game, the Germans fell behind early on when Tonali opened the scoring for the Italians. In the second half, Germany came back strong and equalized after just three minutes, with Kleindienst. The comeback came in the 30th minute, with Goretzka, which guarantees the advantage for the return match.
THE GAME
The Italians opened the scoring early, in the eighth minute, with Tonali finishing off a low cross from Politano. Despite being behind, the Germans continued to have more possession and press, but were thwarted by the opposing defense. Italy, in turn, retreated and relied on counterattacks, almost extending their lead through Moise Kean before half-time.
In the second half, Germany came back more aggressive and equalized after just three minutes, with Kleindienst scoring with a header. The goal forced Italy to come out more into the game, but the Germans continued to dominate the action. The turnaround came in the 30th minute, when Goretzka took advantage of a corner and scored. In the final minutes, the Italians pressed in search of an equalizer, but Germany managed to manage their advantage and secured victory in the first duel of the quarterfinals.
SECOND GAME OF THE QUARTER FINALS
Italy will have a tough task in the return match against Germany, next Sunday, at 4:45 pm (Brasília time), at the BVB Stadion Dortmund. With the advantage on the scoreboard, the Germans will play for a draw to advance. The Italians need to win by two goals to qualify or by one goal to take the decision to extra time.
