Italy 1-2 Germany: Player Ratings as Joshua Kimmich inspires crucial comeback win

SI Soccer

·20 Maret 2025

Italy 1-2 Germany: Player Ratings as Joshua Kimmich inspires crucial comeback win

Germany came from behind to defeat Italy 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, heading back to Dortmund with an important one-goal lead.

Germany started strong in possession pinning Italy into their own half for most of the first half, though it was Italy who struck first. Some sloppy defending and a poor clearance from Jonathan Tah resulted in a Sandro Tonali strike to fire his country in front just a week after ending Newcastle United's trophy drought.

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Still, Germany persisted but could find the final action in Italy's penalty box. Heading into the second half, Julian Nagelsmann made a change bringing on Tim Kleindienst for Jonathan Burkardt. The move paid off instantly as the Borussia Monchengladbach striker scored with his first touch of the ball. Joshua Kimmich played a tantalizing cross into the box which Kleindienst rose and met with his head to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The man who created the first, created Germany's second goal from a corner playing another dangerous ball in which was finished by Leon Goretzka. The score ended 2-1 with Germany taking a one goal lead back to Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, where they will hope to finish the job off.

Player ratings from the game below.