Germany Set to Maintain Momentum Ahead of Italy Showdown in Nations League

Germany aims to maintain the “surge in spirit” ignited at Euro 2024 as they face Italy in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final clash in Dortmund, expressed goalkeeper Oliver Baumann on Saturday.

The Germans are in a strong position to secure their spot in the Nations League semi-finals for the first time, following a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Italy in the initial leg held in Milan on Thursday.

During the pre-match press conference, Baumann, flanked by coach Julian Nagelsmann, conveyed the team’s intention to leverage the recent positive momentum off the pitch leading into Sunday’s showdown.

“I hope that the supporters in this stadium rally behind us and create an incredibly challenging environment for the Italians,” he stated.

“In recent months, the national team has experienced a significant upswing in morale – and I believe it will be the same tomorrow.”

Having faced back-to-back group stage exits at the World Cup and a round of 16 disappointment at the last Euros, Germany’s journey to the quarter-finals—where they fell to eventual champions Spain after extra time—has rekindled local enthusiasm.

Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Baumann remarked that the Westfalenstadion, with a capacity of 82,000, which is the largest in Germany, would further energise the team.

“As the visiting team, I’m well aware of the stadium’s atmosphere. It has the potential to become a formidable force. It can be exceptionally loud and can really propel a team forward.”

“It can also prove to be quite unsettling for an opposing side.”

While the Dortmund fortress is a boon for the home team, it’s also infamous for being the backdrop to Italy’s semi-final victory over Germany in the 2006 World Cup, where the Italians netted twice in extra time en route to claiming the trophy.

Nagelsmann, who watched that match as a teenager, mentioned he is “never particularly happy when the German team doesn’t win,” but added: “It’s more crucial for me to focus on the present rather than the past.”

“We need to shape our own history and leave our own mark in the world of football.”

While pleased with the first leg’s performance, Nagelsmann stated his squad wouldn’t deliberate over “whether to play it safe or extend our advantage.”

“We’ll be starting at 0-0 in Dortmund. That way, it minimises the need for calculations,” explained the 37-year-old coach.

Having made several crucial late saves in Milan, Baumann confirmed that injured Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains the preferred choice for the time being.

“Once he’s fully fit and able to perform, he will be our number one. He has earned the opportunity to participate in a major tournament. We’ll take our time with that.”

Nagelsmann also noted that striker Jonathan Burkardt, who started in Milan, is doubtful for the match due to illness.