Four possible Germany changes ahead of Italy Nations League quarter-final | OneFootball

Julian Nagelsmann could make a handful of changes to his Germany side for the second leg of the Nations League quarter-final against Italy in Dortmund on Sunday, as the hosts look to protect the 2-1 lead they picked up in San Siro on Thursday night.

Italy trail 2-1 after the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final in San Siro on Thursday night. Sandro Tonali’s ninth-minute opener was beaten by two second-half headers from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka.

Tim Kleindienst of Germany scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Which four changes Germany could make against Italy

According to pre-match reports, Nagelsmann is inclined to bring goalscorer Kleindienst back into his team as a starter for the second leg against Italy on Sunday. Mainz 05 striker Jonathan Burkardt was given the nod up front for the first leg in San Siro.

Following Germany’s training session on the Signal Iduna Park pitch on Saturday, TMW suggest that Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is also in line to return to the starting XI in place of David Raum, who started last time out.

Nico Schlotterbeck of Germany controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Additionally, there could be changes in midfield and attack, as VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller is competing for a starting spot with Pascal Groβ, while Jamie Leweling could potentially replace Nadiem Amiri on the wing.