Germany vs Italy

Signal Iduna Park forms the backdrop for the return leg of a heavyweight UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie between Germany and Italy. 

High-flying Germany are in pole position in this mouth-watering Nations League tie after overturning a deficit to defeat Italy 2-1 at the San Siro on Thursday night. That victory marked their first away triumph over Italy since 1986, extending their strong recent H2H record to seven unbeaten encounters (W4, D3). With a first-ever UNL finals appearance within reach after falling short in the last three cycles, confidence should be soaring in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad. Adding to their optimism, ‘Die Mannschaft’ have been dominant at home lately, winning each of their last three matches by a combined score of 13-0. Interestingly, none of Germany’s 22 previous Nations League games have ended scoreless, suggesting fans in attendance should enjoy a decent game. 

On the other hand, despite a first-leg setback, Italy remain hopeful of turning this tie on its head in Dortmund to book a semi-final clash with either Denmark or Portugal. However, Luciano Spalletti’s men have shown signs of vulnerability in recent outings, winning just two of their last five matches (D1, L2), with the defeat to Germany following a 3-1 loss to France in November. Spalletti admitted his side’s struggles in defending set-pieces after Thursday’s loss, where Leon Goretzka’s header proved decisive. Addressing this issue has become a priority, though Italy’s attack continues to deliver, having scored in 19 of their previous 20 Nations League matches, netting before halftime in each of the last ten.