Germany secure first away victory over Italy in 39 years
Italy 1 - 2 Germany
Germany came from behind to secure their first away victory over Italy in 39 years, during the Nations League quarter-final first leg.
Sandro Tonali helped Newcastle defeat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and he openeed the scoring with a first-time finish after Jonathan Tah cleared Matteo Politano's cross into his path.
Germany responded well, After Leon Goretzka twice went close to an equaliser before the break, half-time substitute Tim Kleindienst headed the visitors level early in the second period from Joshua Kimmich's delivery.
Moise Kean came close to opening the scoring with a powerful effort that flew over the bar, while Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann kept out Giacomo Raspadori with an outstretched leg. But with 14 minutes left, Leon Goretzka completed the turnaround, heading in another pinpoint Joshua Kimmich delivery.
Germany almost gifted Italy an equaliser when Tim Kleindienst inadvertently directed the ball towards his own net, but Baumann reacted sharply to claw it away, ensuring his side carried a slender advantage into Sunday’s second leg.
Luciano Spalletti and his players will feel aggrieved not to have taken anything from the game after forcing Baumann into several key saves, with Sandro Tonali and former Everton striker Kean posing a persistent threat.
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There was further concern for Italy as Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori suffered an apparent knee injury in an awkward fall late in the second half, with Spalletti confirming he will need to be assessed.
The result ends Italy’s five-match unbeaten home run against Germany, whose last victory on Italian soil had come back in February 1986.
The two sides meet again in Dortmund, with a place in the semi-finals against either Denmark or Portugal on the line.
A quick summary from one fan in attendance as a neutral
Sean M watched the match from the San Siro. He said: "Germany showed real resilience to turn the game around in the second half, with headers from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka securing a hard-fought victory in an entertaining encounter. The visitors were the more attacking side for much of the match, but they had veteran goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to thank for a string of vital saves, denying Sandro Tonali, Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori.
"With the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Dortmund, the margins remain razor-thin, another closely fought battle is likely in Germany next week."
