Jobaaj Stories
Germany Edges Out Italy in Nations League Thriller
In a thrilling UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg, Germany snatched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro. While Sandro Tonali's early goal gave the Azzurri an initial lead, a second-half header from Tim Kleindienst and a late Leon Goretzka strike secured a vital win for Die Mannschaft. This marked Italy's first home defeat to Germany since 1986, a significant upset for the home side.
Bastoni's Disappointing Performance
Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni had a night to forget, reportedly one of Italy's worst performers according to Gazzetta dello Sport. His struggles contributed significantly to Germany's comeback victory. In contrast, Nicolo Barella put in a strong showing for Italy, highlighting the mixed performances within the squad.
Germany's Aerial Dominance and Key Players
Germany's success stemmed partly from their aerial prowess; both goals arrived via headers. Joshua Kimmich's exceptional performance, providing two assists, was instrumental. Leroy Sané and Nadiem Amiri also contributed positively on the flanks, while Oliver Baumann made crucial saves. Germany's midfield, particularly Goretzka and Gross, effectively controlled the game’s tempo, limiting Italy's attacking prowess.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With a 2-1 advantage, Germany heads into the second leg in Dortmund as the favorites. While Italy will fight back, Germany's home advantage and strong performance in the first leg make them strong contenders to secure a place in the Nations League finals. The match promises another exciting clash, with both teams hoping to make crucial adjustments based on the first leg's lessons.
Where to Watch
Catch the second leg on March 23rd at 3:45 pm ET on fuboTV (USA).
