GERMANY HOLDS OFF ITALY IN 3-3 DRAW TO SECURE NATIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINAL SPOT WITH 5-4 AGGREGATE WIN
Dortmund, March 23, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter at the BVB Stadion, Germany advanced to the UEFA Nations League semifinals after a 3-3 draw against Italy, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory. The hosts, entering with a 2-1 first-leg advantage, faced a resilient Italian side determined to overturn the deficit.
Italy struck first in the 14th minute when Moise Kean headed in a Federico Dimarco cross, leveling the aggregate at 2-2. Germany responded in the 29th minute as Jamal Musiala curled a shot into the net, restoring their aggregate lead to 3-2. However, Italy’s Daniel Maldini silenced the Dortmund crowd with a long-range effort in first-half stoppage time, making it 3-3 on aggregate.
The second half saw Germany regain the lead in the 58th minute through Leroy Sané’s precise low drive, bringing the aggregate to 4-3. Italy continued to press, and Kean capitalized on defensive errors to score twice in the second half, bringing Italy back into contention. A pivotal moment occurred when a Dortmund ball boy quickly provided the ball for a German corner, leading to Musiala’s goal. This incident drew criticism from Italian media, highlighting defensive lapses and the quick-thinking actions of the ball boy.
In the 88th minute, Germany’s Deniz Undav headed in a Joshua Kimmich corner, securing a 3-3 draw and a 5-4 aggregate win, sending the home fans into raptures.
Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We showed heart and quality. Italy pushed us to the brink, but we found a way.” Conversely, Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, lamented missed opportunities and critical moments that swung the tie in Germany’s favor.
Germany will now face Portugal in the semifinals on June 4, 2025. The UEFA Nations League Finals are scheduled from June 4 to 8, 2025, with matches set to take place in Munich and Stuttgart.
Final Score: Germany 3-3 Italy (5-4 aggregate)
Scorers: Germany – Musiala (29’), Sané (58’), Undav (88’); Italy – Kean (14’, 69’), Raspadori (90’+5’ pen)
Venue: BVB Stadion, Dortmund
Next Up: Germany vs. Portugal, UEFA Nations League semifinals, June 4, 2025.
