Italy vs Germany: UEFA Nations League Preview | OneFootball

Germany travel to Milan for their UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash against Luciano Spalletti’s Italy at the San Siro on Thursday before the return leg on Sunday.

Julian Nagelsmann will be without Florian Wirtz who sustained an ankle injury during Bayer Leverkusen’s defeat against Werder Bremen. Niclas Fullkrug and Kai Havertz both continue to be sidelined with injuries while Serge Gnabry and Julian Brandt weren’t called upon. There was however a place for Leon Goretzka, who returns to the national team for the first time since November 2023.

There was also a place for Mainz’ Nadiem Amiri and Jonathan Burkardt, both of whom have helped Bo Henriksen’s side into a Champions League position. Inter’s Yann Aurel Bisseck also received a maiden call-up to the national team.

As Germany eye their first UEFA Nations League title, Nagelsmann’s find themselves in an excellent position, unbeaten in their six group games. Emphatic wins against Hungary (5-0) and Bosnia (7-0), the national team also enjoyed an excellent win against the Netherlands (1-0) and also a difficult victory in Bosnia (2-1). They also picked up draws against the Netherlands (2-2) and Hungary (1-1).

Following the retirement of Manuel Neuer and injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, after sharing the No. 1 shirt between Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel, Nagelsmann has opted for the former to be his number one goalkeeper for their upcoming games.

Tim Kleindienst will also start against Italy on Thursday.

Predicted Germany Lineup v Italy

Oliver Baumann – Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum – Robert Andrich, Pascal Groß – Jamie Leweling, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané – Tim Kleindienst

GGFN | Daniel Pinder