Germany punish Italian errors to reach Nations League semi-finals
Germany 3 - 3 Italy (Germany won 5-4 on aggregate)
Germany capitalised on a series of Italian mistakes, including a bizarre error from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, to book their place in the Nations League semi-finals, despite a spirited late comeback from Italy.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the quarter-final at the San Siro in Milan and completed the job at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
Donnarumma endured a nightmare evening, first conceding a penalty converted by Germany captain Joshua Kimmich after Tim Kleindienst was fouled by Alessandro Buongiorno. Worse was to follow, as the goalkeeper inexplicably wandered off his line after tipping a Kleindienst header over the bar. Kimmich reacted quickly, whipping in a corner for Jamal Musiala to slot into an empty net.
That put Germany 4-1 up on aggregate, and they tightened their grip just before half-time when Italy’s attempts to play out from the back ended in disaster. Kleindienst capitalised, heading in from Kimmich’s cross for his skipper’s third goal contribution of the night.
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But Italy fought back after the break, dominating the second half. Former Everton striker Moise Kean reduced the deficit with a clinical finish before adding another after being teed up by Giacomo Raspadori.
Deep into stoppage time, Italy won a penalty after Maximilian Mittelstädt was penalised for handball, with Raspadori converting to make it 3-3 on the night. However, they fell agonisingly short, as Germany held on to win 5-4 on aggregate and book their first-ever spot in the Nations League semi-finals.
Some more analysis to what proved to be a fascinating encounter
The contest became more nerve-wracking than they would have preferred in the second half, but for the first time, Germany will compete in the Nations League final four. The first 135 minutes of this two legged match against Italy highlighted how much this team has improved under Nagelsmann. They will have a fantastic opportunity to win a trophy on home soil in June. However, the small collapse from the side in the second-half proves they do have some work to do.
