Germany 3 – 3 Italy
2nd Leg – Germany advance 5-4 on aggregate
Italy scripted an incredible comeback in the second half, but the first-leg deficit ultimately made all the difference.
What a remarkable fightback it was from Italy after conceding three goals in the first half on German soil! Moise Kean reignited hopes with a brace after the break, and a late goal brought the match level. However, they couldn’t erase the first-leg deficit. In the end, Germany triumphed 5-4 on aggregate to book their spot in the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
On Sunday night in Dortmund, the second leg of the quarterfinals ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Thanks to their 2-1 win in the first leg, Germany progressed with a 5-4 aggregate score.
Germany came out attacking right from the first minute, barely giving Italy any room to push forward. The hosts wasted no time, scoring three goals in just 15 minutes, practically sealing the result before halftime.
The first goal came in the 30th minute when Germany was awarded a penalty after Tim Kleindienst was fouled inside the box. Joshua Kimmich made no mistake from the spot to give his team the lead. Six minutes later, Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala doubled the advantage with a right-footed shot inside the box.
Just before the halftime whistle, Kleindienst headed in Kimmich’s cross to make it 3-0. With a 5-1 aggregate lead, Germany looked set for the semifinals.
But Italy wasn’t done yet. In the 49th minute, Moise Kean pulled one back with a brilliant strike from outside the box. The young Fiorentina forward reduced the deficit further in the 69th minute, bringing the score to 5-3 on aggregate.
In the fifth minute of added time, Giacomo Raspadori found the net again, sparking hope for a dramatic finish. The tension was at its peak as Italy pushed for one final goal, but they couldn’t find the net again.
Despite Italy’s heroic comeback, Germany held on to secure their place in the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
