Germany secured a place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals for the first time in their history after a dramatic match in Dortmund against Italy, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Thanks to the victory in the first leg, Julian Nagelsmann's team advanced to the next stage.
With a 2-1 lead from the first leg and looking to avoid a tough second-leg challenge, the Germans started furiously, taking early risks through Maximilian Mittelstädt and Leon Goretzka. Italy, on the other hand, focused largely on defense, allowing the home team to shoot on goal, although only Leroy Sané initially troubled Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, in the 30th minute, Germany's pressure paid off, as Goretzka played a brilliant pass to Tim Kleindienst, who was brought down by Alessandro Buongiorno in the area. Joshua Kimmich was accurate from the spot, curling the ball into the bottom corner.
Italy seemed powerless to react and within minutes the gap had doubled. Donnarumma saved a header from Kleindienst, but Italy were careless on a corner kick, with Kimmich quickly passing it to Jamal Musiala, who easily slotted it into the empty net. The visitors were eager for the half-time whistle, but Kleindienst managed to score a third goal in first-half stoppage time, slotting home a Kimmich cross.
However, in the second half, Italy took advantage of a moment of carelessness. A misplaced pass from Sané allowed Moise Kean to reduce the deficit by beating Oliver Baumann at the near post. That goal gave the visitors hope, and after a pass from Giacomo Raspadori, Kean scored another spectacular goal, firing powerfully into the box to set up a dramatic final 20 minutes. Italy also had a penalty ruled out by VAR, but in added time, technology was on their side, confirming a handball by Mittelstädt in the area. Raspadori calmly converted the spot kick to level the score at 3-3, but Italy failed to find a fourth goal to send the game into extra time.
This result not only ensures Germany's qualification, but also confirms that the final stage of the Nations League will be held in Germany, with the semi-finals and final to be played in Stuttgart and Munich in June. This could be a golden opportunity for the "Nationalelf" to win their first international trophy since 2017. On the other hand, for Luciano Spalletti's team, disappointment remains and the focus remains on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, having missed out on the last two editions of this competition. (A2 Televizion)
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