DFB Team Secures First Victory in Italy Since 1986 in a Headball Match
Updated Take: 🇩🇪 Germany Wins First Match in Italy Since 1986 in Nations League Quarterfinals: Here's all the dirty, uncensored details you're craving!
Germany's footballing lads had a sluggish start in Italy, but they kicked it up a notch after the break, making history by securing their first win in the land of the boot since '86! This triumph was in the quarterfinals of the bloody Nations League, and it was a 2:1 victory for Germany—thanks to goals from Leon Goretzka and header monster, Tim Kleindienst.
Leon Goretzka shining brighter than a neon sign, giving Germany a glimpse of another unforgettable summer, following a stellar night in the infamous Giuseppe-Meazza Stadium, also known as the "Opera House of Football." With Goretzka back in the game and the team helmed by coach Julian Nagelsmann, a weakened bunch, they managed to defeat their eternal competitors, Italy.
Italy - Germany = 1:2 (1:0)Goals: 1:0 Tonali (9.), 1:1 Kleindienst (49.), 1:2 Goretzka (76.)
Goretzka and Kleindienst both headed in goals, with Kimmich providing the assists for both. Germany aims to secure their spot in the Final Four, which will be held in Munich and Stuttgart, in the packed Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Sunday (20:45 CET/RTL and live ticker at ntv.de).
The tactical genius behind it all, Julian Nagelsmann, made some robust moves in the starting lineup, fielding Goretzka, Amiri, and Burkardt as his not-so-secret weapons. His master plan? Creating numerical superiority through top-notch play activity.
Italians blasted Nannini's "Notti magiche" at the Panini stalls before the game, as the guests, in their black-and-white commemorative jerseys, were celebrating the 125th anniversary of their association, looking for a magical night. The German team, subdued by sorrow and wearing black armbands in honor of the late Doris Fitschen, started aggressively, seeking the goal from the get-go.
But as the cold wind of reality blew, the Germans conceded the first goal. David Raum let Politano escape, Tah made an indecisive clearance, and Tonali took full advantage of the opportunity. A cold-blooded goal that temporarily disheartened the Germans.
Nagelsmann didn't back down; he made some critical changes at halftime. Schlotterbeck replaced the defensively weak Raum as left-back, and Kleindienst came on for the struggling Burkardt—immediate results! Kleindienst scored a beauty with a half-field cross from Kimmich for his third international goal in his fifth game.
With renewed confidence, Germany improved in duels and attack structure. However, the Italians continued to search for a move forward, keeping Germany on their toes.
Julian Nagelsmann's tactical brilliance shone throughout the game, with several strategic moves and clever adjustments. Let's take a gander at some of those moves:
- Formation: Nagelsmann opened with a 4-2-2-2 formation, but it's quite flexible, with players like Burkardt and the other striker forming the dual-striker pairing. Musiala operated in an advanced role, supported by wingers Leroy Sané and Nadiem Amiri. The midfield was anchored by Goretzka and Pascal Groß, while Joshua Kimmich showcased his versatility as both a defender and midfielder.
- Tactical Adjustments at Halftime: At the break, Nagelsmann made some key substitutions, replacing Burkardt with Kleindienst and Raum with Schlotterbeck, addressing defensive vulnerabilities and boosting the attack. The team also shifted to a 5-4-1 formation to better defend and facilitate controlled transitions.
- Joshua Kimmich's Crosses: Nagelsmann emphasized the significance of Joshua Kimmich's crosses, accrediting them for creating scoring opportunities. Kimmich assisted both goals, including a remarkable cross for Kleindienst's equalizer and a corner-kick assist for Goretzka's game-winning goal.
- Second-Half Pressing: Nagelsmann stressed the need for higher pressing in the second half to disrupt Italy's defense, leading to Italy losing composure and creating openings for Germany.
In the end, Nagelsmann's strategic adjustments and creative player deployment paid off, securing Germany their ticket to the Final Four. It's getting bloody intense out here! ‘Til next time! 🤘🏻🇩🇪
- The European Parliament and the Council have agreed to reorganize the formats and schedules of future Nations League matches, following Germany's victory in the quarterfinals.
- Leon Goretzka, wearing the black armband in honor of the late Doris Fitschen, will lead Germany in their pursuit of the quarterfinal trophy, as they aim to make it to the Final Four of the Nations League.
- Julian Nagelsmann, following the numerical superiority approach, successfully managed to defeat Italy in the quarterfinals of the Nations League, with Leon Goretzka donning the starring role in Germany's 2:1 victory.
