Germany Overcomes Italy’s Nine Men in Extra Time to Secure U21 Euro Semi-Final Against France

In a thrilling encounter that culminated in extra time, a 96th-minute free-kick from late substitute Giuseppe Ambrosino levelled the game 2-2, setting the stage for Merlin Rohl to net the decisive goal, securing Germany a 3-2 victory over Italy and a coveted spot in the U21 European Championship semi-finals.

Italy’s Gli Azzurrini aimed to unsettle German goalkeeper Noah Atubolu early on, with Mattia Zanotti making a bold challenge, followed by Atubolu confidently saving a shot from Luca Koleosho.

Nick Woltemade soon began to threaten at the other end, skillfully weaving into the box but ultimately steering his effort just past the post.

Both sides struggled to establish a consistent rhythm early in the match, leading to a booking for Lorenzo Pirola as he halted Woltemade’s attempts to take a free-kick.

Koleosho had a spell where he put Nnamdi Collins under significant pressure but failed to find a teammate with his crosses. His frustrations mounted in the 28th minute when he fouled Max Rosenfelder, earning a yellow card that would have seen him suspended for the semi-final, had Italy progressed.

Wilfried Gnonto almost broke the deadlock, hitting the side netting after Atubolu misjudged a parry, while both Nicolo Tresoldi and Matteo Prati had attempts blocked in quick succession.

As the match progressed, chances began to flow more freely, with Paul Nebel having a shot denied and then sending a free-kick off target. Meanwhile, Prati’s ambitious strike was deflected away from danger.

The tension heightened in the second half, and after being the standout player in the first half, Koleosho ignited Italian celebrations just before the hour mark by sprinting down the pitch, cutting inside, and unleashing a strike that hit the post and went in.

Germany pressed for a quick response, with Rohl’s header from a corner being saved, but Woltemade’s header from the subsequent corner found its mark, leveling the match at 2-2.

Italy suffered another setback in the 81st minute, as Gnonto received a red card for a reckless challenge on Rosenfelder, having already been shown yellow for an earlier foul on Eric Martel.

Germany took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with Woltemade connecting with Rohl’s cross, allowing Nelson Weiper to slot the ball into the top corner with precision.

Despite Gli Azzurrini appearing set to exit the tournament, frustration boiled over for Zanotti, who received two yellow cards for dissent in the 90th minute. Yet, Ambrosino displayed remarkable composure by delivering a stunning free-kick to send the match to extra time.

Carmine Nunziata’s nine-man squad fought valiantly, with goalkeeper Desplanches making key saves, denying Rocco Reitz’s curling shot in the first half of extra time and bravely approaching Woltemade’s feet in the second half.

However, it was heartbreak for Italy in the 117th minute, as Rohl capitalised on the space provided to him and found the bottom corner, propelling Germany into the semi-finals, where they will face France.

Unfortunately for Gli Azzurrini, their journey ended despite not losing a match within the regulation time throughout the tournament.