Following a dramatic 96th-minute free-kick by late substitute Giuseppe Ambrosino that levelled the score at 2-2, Merlin Rohl’s decisive goal secured a 3-2 victory for Germany over Italy, earning them a spot in the U21 European Championship semi-finals.
In the opening exchanges, Gli Azzurrini aimed to unsettle German keeper Noah Atubolu, with Mattia Zanotti challenging the goalkeeper, who subsequently handled Luca Koleosho’s attempt without issue.
Shortly after, Nick Woltemade began to pose threats at the opposite end, weaving his way into the box only to steer his shot just wide of the mark.
Both sides struggled to find their footing, culminating in a yellow card for Lorenzo Pirola for halting Woltemade’s free-kick.
Koleosho had a brief flurry of activity on the left, giving Nnamdi Collins a tough time, though his attempts to deliver into the box were unsuccessful. His frustrations peaked in the 28th minute when a foul on Max Rosenfelder led to a caution, ruling him out of the semi-final had Italy progressed.
Wilfried Gnonto nearly netted after Atubolu fumbled the ball, hitting the side netting, while shots from Nicolo Tresoldi and Matteo Prati were blocked at either end.
Opportunities began to emerge more frequently, with Paul Nebel being denied before sending a free-kick off-target, while Prati made an ambitious attempt that was deflected wide.
The intensity of the match continued in the second half, and after a stellar first half display, Koleosho sparked Italian jubilation just before the hour mark, sprinting up the field and cutting inside to drive his shot in off the post.
Germany sought an equaliser, but Rohl’s header from a corner was saved, only for Woltemade’s header from the subsequent corner to find the back of the net, beating Sebastiano Desplanches.
The Italians faced another setback in the 81st minute when Gnonto received a red card for a sliding tackle on Rosenfelder, having already been cautioned for a foul on Eric Martel.
Germany made the most of their numerical advantage, as Woltemade’s header from Rohl’s cross set up Nelson Weiper, who expertly found the top corner.
Despite Gli Azzurrini appearing ready to exit the tournament, with Zanotti receiving two yellow cards for dissent in the dying moments, Ambrosino remained composed, executing a spectacular free-kick to take the match into extra time.
Carmine Nunziata’s nine men fought bravely in extra time, with Desplanches denying Rocco Reitz’s curling effort early on before bravely thwarting Woltemade again later in the half.
However, in the 117th minute, Italy’s hopes were dashed as Rohl took full advantage of the space given, expertly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to send Germany through to face France in the semi-finals.
Gli Azzurrini were eliminated despite finishing the tournament unbeaten inside 90 minutes.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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