Germany Advances to Nations League Semifinals Following Six-Goal Epic Against Italy

Germany managed to maintain their advantage from the first leg in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) quarter-finals, despite relinquishing a three-goal lead to settle for a 3-3 draw against Italy in Dortmund. This result propelled Julian Nagelsmann’s side into the UNL semi-finals for the first time in four attempts.

Already having a 2-1 lead from the first leg, Germany launched a fierce assault from the outset, with Maximilian Mittelstadt and Leon Goretzka coming close within the opening two minutes.

Italy found themselves largely confined to their own half, allowing Germany to create numerous attempts on goal, although it was only Leroy Sané who initially managed to trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma.

On the half-hour mark, however, the tide shifted dramatically. A through ball from Goretzka led to Alessandro Buongiorno bringing down Tim Kleindienst in the penalty area, and Joshua Kimmich confidently converted the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner.

The visibly shaken Italians struggled to respond, and just minutes later, Germany doubled their advantage. Although Donnarumma made a superb save to deny Kleindienst’s header, he was caught off guard moments later as Kimmich quickly took a corner, finding a completely unmarked Jamal Musiala, who slotted the ball into an empty net.

Desperate for the half-time whistle, Italy’s concerns deepened as Kleindienst further added to their woes in first-half stoppage time, rising highest to nod in Kimmich’s cross despite Donnarumma’s best efforts.

Complacency, however, crept into Germany’s game just after the break, as Sané’s misplaced pass allowed Moise Kean to intercept and fire past Oliver Baumann at his near post.

This goal reignited Italy, who drew closer again when Kean latched onto a pass from substitute Giacomo Raspadori, shifting the ball onto his right foot before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner, setting up a thrilling final 20 minutes.

Italy’s hopes were boosted by a overturned penalty decision via VAR, but the review system was ultimately favourable when it ruled that Mittelstädt had handled the ball in the penalty area during stoppage time. Raspadori calmly converted from the spot, yet Italy was unable to find a fourth goal to force extra time.

This latest unbeaten head-to-head battle not only secures Germany’s place in the semi-finals but also grants them the chance to host the final stages of the UNL in Stuttgart and Munich come June.

This circumstance bodes well for the Nationalelf’s prospects as they seek their first international trophy since 2017, while it leaves Spalletti’s Italy contemplating their future as they shift their focus to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing the previous two editions.