Match Preview for Italy v Germany
Germany will hope to extend their unbeaten record in the Nations League when they visit Italy in the first leg of their quarter-final tomorrow night.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side topped their League A Group 3 pool that also included the Netherlands, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Hungary to reach the last eight. That record maintained the feelgood factor around the side following their run to the quarters of Euro 2024 when they were beaten in extra-time by a last-gasp goal by Spain’s Mikel Merino.
The German public had seen enough and with burgeoning young talents Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz yet to reach their prime, the future looks bright for Die Mannschaft.
Ahead of the game in Milan, Nagelsmann said: “Although we have to cope with some absences, we still have a very good squad. The quarter-final against Italy is very important for us. These are two games that we absolutely must play positively.”
Italy also appear to be in a decent place despite relinquishing top spot in League A Group 2 on the final match day.
Luciano Spalletti’s men needed just a point at home to France to top the pool but were beaten 3-1 as Les Bleus gained revenge for their defeat to Italy earlier in the campaign.
It has been a nice bounce back for the Azzurri after a disappointing Euro 2024 saw them lose to Switzerland in the round of 16.
👇 Update Rückennummern 👇#dfbteam #itager #gerita pic.twitter.com/dqF5SG6paE
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) March 18, 2025
Team News for Italy v Germany
Germany have to cope without two key men with Wirtz and Kai Havertz injured.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Wirtz has an ankle problem and is struggling to make it back before the end of the season while Arsenal forward Havertz is targeting pre-season training for his comeback.
Reports in Germany this morning suggested Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst will lead the attack. Kleindienst has 15 goals in 25 Bundesliga games this season.
Italy have also suffered a blow with Mateo Retegui, the Atalanta striker who leads the Serie A goalscoring charts, returning to Bergamo this morning due to a thigh injury.
🚨 Retegui has left the training camp.
The forward underwent medical exams this morning, which revealed a muscle strain in his right thigh. As a result, he is unavailable for both games against Germany.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/xL3578VVWd
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) March 19, 2025
Predicted line-ups for Italy v Germany
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Cambiaso, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori; Kean
Germany: Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck; Andrich, Goretzka; Adeyemi, Musiala, Sané; Kleindienst
How to watch Italy v Germany: TV channel, online stream
Italy v Germany will kick-off at 19:45 but is not available to view on TV for UK fans.
