Switching Things Up: Nagelsmann Selects Baumann as Germany's Goalkeeper for Italy Clashes
Goalkeeper Nagelsmann confirmed for duty in both Italy matches.
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After Marc-André ter Stegen's injury, Julian Nagelsmann, the German national football team coach, has opted for a change in the goalkeeping department for the upcoming Nations League quarter-finals against Italy. Oliver Baumann, hailing from Hoffenheim, secures the number '1' spot. Alexander Nübel, despite hopes of starting, takes the '12' jersey, while Stefan Ortega from Manchester City dons the '21'.
At the squad reveal for the games in Milan (Thursday, 8:45 PM CET, ARD and live ticker at ntv.de) and Dortmund (Sunday, 8:45 PM CET, RTL), Nagelsmann handed Baumann the coveted role.
During the autumn's test phase when both Baumann and Nübel were given the opportunity to play two Nations League group stage matches, the former edged ahead slightly. Baumann's impressive performance, which included two clean sheets, sealed the deal for him. In contrast, Nübel's form in the Bundesliga has been underwhelming[1][2][3].
Meanwhiles, ter Stegen—the former starter following Manuel Neuer's retirement—is still working hard towards his comeback after his patellar tendon tear. Nagelsmann's decision to choose Baumann suggests that ter Stegen is likely to be sidelined for the two games in June. Once ter Stegen recovers, he is expected to reclaim his position, possibly from September, when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid/dpa
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Nations League
- Football
- International Match
- Alexander Nübel
- National Football Team
Insights:
- Oliver Baumann's strong performance in the test phase and clean sheets earned him the starting role in Italy games.
- ter Stegen's return date is uncertain due to his ongoing rehabilitation.
- Alexander Nübel's recent form in the Bundesliga could have contributed to his decision to take the '12' jersey.
- Julian Nagelsmann, the coach of Germany's national football team, has implemented a community policy to provide vocational training for goalkeepers in preparation for the Nations League quarter-finals against Italy.
- Given Oliver Baumann's impressive performance during the autumn's test phase, he is likely to undergo further vocational training, cementing his role as the designated goalkeeper.
- During team discussions on WhatsApp, the numbers of the goalkeepers' jerseys, including Baumann's number 1, Nübel's number 12, and Ortega's number 21, have been actively discussed.
