Discover how Kleindienst and Goretzka led Germany to their first victory in Italy since 1986, marking a historic moment in football history.
Introduction:
Germany staged an impressive second-half comeback to claim a 2-1 victory over Italy in a gripping quarter-final first-leg encounter in the UEFA Nations League. Sandro Tonali’s early strike gave the hosts the lead, but goals from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka secured a hard-fought win for Julian Nagelsmann’s men.
Despite dominating possession and launching numerous attacks, Germany had to rely on veteran goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to keep them in the game, as he produced three outstanding saves to deny Tonali, Moise Kean, and Giacomo Raspadori. With small margins separating the teams, the return leg in Dortmund promises to be a thrilling contest.
Italy Strike First with a Clinical Counterattack
Germany started the game on the front foot, pressing high and forcing Italy to play long balls rather than building from the back. However, despite their early dominance in possession, the visitors were caught cold by Italy’s first attack of the match.
A long pass from Alessandro Bastoni found Nicolò Barella on the right flank. The midfielder spotted Raspadori’s run and played him into space inside the box. Jonathan Tah managed to get a crucial touch to Raspadori’s low cross, but the ball fell perfectly for Sandro Tonali, who slotted home a composed right-footed finish to give Italy the lead.
“It was a beautifully worked goal,” said an Italian commentator. “Germany were controlling the game, but we saw the ruthless nature of this Italian side.”
The goal energized the Azzurri, who began to look more confident in possession and threatened to double their advantage on several occasions.
Baumann Keeps Germany in the Game
Germany responded well to falling behind, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka creating chances. A deep cross from Kimmich was met by Goretzka, whose looping header landed on the roof of the net. Minutes later, Goretzka tried his luck from a distance, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a solid save.
At the other end, Baumann produced two superb stops to keep Germany within touching distance. First, he pawed away a thunderous strike from Tonali. Then, he reacted quickly to turn Kean’s close-range effort around the post after a smart through-ball from Matteo Politano. See also: Musiala and Wirtz Shine in Germany’s Dominant 7-0
As half-time approached, Germany were frustrated by Italy’s deep defensive line, while the Azzurri looked dangerous on the counter. Despite dominating possession and having six corners to Italy’s one, Germany lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
“We need to be more ruthless,” Kimmich told reporters at the break. “We’re creating chances, but Italy are always dangerous on the counterattack.”
Kleindienst Scores with His First Touch
Nagelsmann made an inspired substitution at half-time, bringing on Tim Kleindienst to add physicality to the attack. The move paid off almost immediately.
Just four minutes after coming on, Kimmich whipped in a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Kleindienst timed his run perfectly, rising above his marker to power a header past Donnarumma, leveling the score at 1-1.
“That’s exactly why Nagelsmann brought him on,” said a German pundit. “A tall, physical striker who can make a difference in the box.” Germany’s confidence skyrocketed after the equalizer, and they began to pile pressure on the Italian defense.
Goretzka Completes the Comeback
With momentum firmly on Germany’s side, Italy struggled to regain control of the match. Kimmich, now dictating the tempo, delivered another superb set piece—this time a corner to the near post. See also: Maignan’s Heroics See France Triumph
Goretzka, making a late run into the box, glanced a header past Donnarumma, finding the far corner of the net to complete Germany’s turnaround. The goal marked Kimmich’s second assist of the game, highlighting his leadership and playmaking ability.
Italy Push for an Equalizer, but Germany Holds Firm
Despite conceding twice, Italy did not back down. Luciano Spalletti responded by introducing Lorenzo Lucca, a towering 201cm striker, to add aerial presence in attack—mirroring Nagelsmann’s successful decision to bring on Kleindienst.
Italy pushed forward aggressively, and Baumann was called into action once again. He denied Raspadori’s low drive with a smart save and watched as Kean fired over the bar after collecting Tonali’s clever flick.
In the final moments, Germany’s defense stood firm, ensuring they secured their first victory on Italian soil since 1986.
Key Takeaways from Germany’s Win
Nagelsmann’s Substitutions Made the Difference: Kleindienst’s immediate impact and Kimmich’s set-piece mastery proved to be the decisive factors in Germany’s comeback.
Baumann’s Heroics Kept Germany Alive: The veteran goalkeeper made three world-class saves, denying Italy a second goal and giving his side the platform to fight back.
Germany Must Improve Their Finishing: Despite dominating possession, Germany struggled to convert their early dominance into goals, something they must improve in the second leg.
Italy’s Counterattacking Threat Remains Deadly: Even with limited possession, Italy created several dangerous moments, proving they remain a serious threat ahead of the second leg in Dortmund.
The Return Leg Will Be a Must-Watch: With only one goal separating the teams, the second leg promises to be another thrilling encounter, with both sides looking to book a semi-final spot.
Germany Edge Closer to Semi-Finals, but the Job Isn’t Done
Germany will take a one-goal advantage into the return leg in Dortmund, but Italy have shown they can hurt them on the counter. The Azzurri’s resilience and attacking quality mean this tie is far from over.
With Baumann in top form, Kimmich leading the midfield, and Nagelsmann making key tactical adjustments, Germany will be confident heading into the second leg. However, expect Spalletti’s Italy to come back fighting as they look to overturn the deficit. The stage is set for another classic battle—who will prevail in Dortmund?