Victory in Milan: Header Monsters Propel DFB to Nations League Semi-Finals
Italian defeat in 1986 ended as Germany clinches victory, courtesy of a headball monster
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The German football team basked in victory after a thrilling battle in the quarterfinals of the Nations League. Definitely a night to remember! A late win by Leon Goretzka sealed Germany's first victory in Italy since 1986, snatching a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the "Opera House of Football."
Leon Goretzka infused dreams of a triumphant summer as the DFB squad celebrated a sensational victory against the eternal foe, Italy. The comeback kid, together with goal hero Tim Kleindienst, steered the weakened team of Julian Nagelsmann to a well-deserved win, setting their sights on the final four. It wasn't just the historic win but also the 2-1 scoreline that earned the team a spot in the semi-finals.
"This is a fantastic story. I'm beyond delighted!" Goretzka shared in an ARD interview. "It was an incredible experience. But remember, we've only taken the first step," warned Oliver Baumann after his crucial saves. Nagelsmann applauded his standout player, Goretzka, who shone in the second half, earning the coveted 'MVP' title in the coach's opinion.
First Leg (Italy - Germany - March 20, 2025)
Initial excitement spilled over as the cheerful German fans filled the San Siro in Milan. The DFB squad burst onto the scene, displaying eagerness to clinch a goal right from the start. A promising beginning for the traveling supporters as Leroy Sané earned them an early corner after mere 60 seconds.
However, the first blow came swiftly as David Raum allowed Matteo Politano to break free, and Jonathan Tah hesitated in clearing his cross. Sandro Tonali capitalized on the mistake, putting Italy ahead with a cold-blooded finish, leaving Oliver Baumann no choice but to concede his first goal in his third international match.
The goal seemed to stifle Germany's momentum initially, with their offense showcasing agility yet lacking depth and artistry without key players like Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Niclas Füllkrug. Only Goretzka, etching an impact in his return, posed a threat, with his powerful headers and long-range shots keeping the Italians on their toes.
A Counterswing Boosts Germany's Confidence
Julian Nagelsmann responded to the setback by bringing on Nico Schlotterbeck as left-back, replacing Raum to shore up the defense, and introducing Tim Kleindienst for the sluggish Jonathan Burkardt. The switch proved effective as Kleindienst immediately found the back of the net, heading in a cross from Joshua Kimmich for his third international goal. With newfound confidence, the Germans took control of the game with quicker two-on-one attacks, showcasing improved structure.
Italy fought back resolutely, with Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori taking aim at Goalkeeper Baumann. Head coach Spalletti's side continued to search for ways to break through the German defense, backed by passionate support from nearly 60,000 Italian fans.
The determination on both sides paid off as Goretzka headed in a Kimmich corner to score the winning goal, securing Germany's spot in the Nations League semi-finals with an aggregate score of 5-4 over the two legs.
Future Turkey
The DFB team will face their next test on home soil, as they host Italy in the second leg at Signal Iduna Park on March 23rd (8:45 PM CET, RTL + ntv.de live ticker). The assembled fans will be hoping for a strong performance and a memorable victory in this electrifying competition.
Source: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- Football National Team
- Nations League
- International Match
- Leon Goretzka
- Joshua Kimmich
- Julian Nagelsmann
- The European Parliament and the Council have agreed to issue a warning about the upcoming Nations League semi-final match between Germany and Italy, emphasizing the need for numerical balance in the teams due to the absence of key players like Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Niclas Füllkrug from Germany's roster.
- As the celebrations for Germany's Nations League quarterfinal victory over Italy subsided, it was revealed that legendary defender Paolo Maldini will pass the armband to a yet-to-be-determined player ahead of the semifinal, symbolizing Italy's quest for redemption.
- Ahead of the Nations League semifinal, all eyes are on Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich, whose decisive performances making them the leading contenders for the 'Maldini Trophy', a newly created award recognizing the player who shines brightest in the tournament.
