MILAN (ITALPRESS) – First the illusion, then the reality. Sandro Tonali’s goal is not enough, Italy loses 2-1 against Germany suffering a comeback by the Germans in the second half (goals by Kleindienst and Goretzka decisive). It complicates the path in the Uefa Nations League, on Sunday the Azzurri will have to win with one goal difference to go to extra time, with two goals difference to find qualification to the finals scheduled for June 4-8, 2025.
Spalletti confirmed the 3-5-1-1 with Barella and Tonali escorting Rovella, in attack space for Kean, supported by Raspadori (Retegui absent due to a muscle strain). New faces for Nagelsmann’s Germany, without Wirtz and Havert, the German coach deployed Musiala in the three-quarter with Burkardt, Mainz striker in his third national team appearance, as the only forward. The first minutes confirmed what the Azzurri coach hypothesized in the conference: many frontline tilts, Italy relied on the restarts to be able to hurt the guests. At 9′ the Azzurri found the goal: Barella’s filter freed Politano, the pass fouled by Tah allowed Tonali to unlock the score. Germany relied on Goretzka, but the shot from the distance was blocked without problems by Donnarumma.
After some difficulties in the first phase, Spalletti’s team grew putting Rudiger and his teammates in trouble, at 32′ Kean’s forceful conclusion was deflected into the corner by Baumann, who had shortly before repelled a shot by Tonali. The expected reaction from Germany came after just 4 minutes of the second half when Kimmich, with a cross from the three-quarter, drew Kleindienst – who entered in the second half in place of Burkardt – who headed it past Donnarumma. The Azzurri struggled to regroup, and on 23′ Kean’s first-time effort – on Tonali’s heel assist – came close to hitting the net with a violent conclusion that came out just wide. A few moments later Raspadori, again on a suggestion from the same Tonali, wasted a good opportunity, Baumann’s foot save decisive.
Even the substitutions did not give the change of pace, Germany signed the overtake on a corner kick in the 31′: Kimmich’s cross, Goretzka left free by Bastoni deflected the ball with his head to make it 2-1. Flashes of Italy in the final with Maldini, in the recovery Spalletti lost Calafiori, who left the field with a physical problem. The evening that began in remembrance of Bruno Pizzul ended in the worst way, before the warm-up the commentator who for 16 years told the exploits of the Azzurri was remembered. Whoever passes the round will set up the Finals and take on the winner between Denmark and Portugal.
Le parole di Spalletti
“In some moments we were not in the rhythm of the game, while they were consistent. Then they made a couple of choices that we paid too dearly for as the game developed. They are known to be very tall, there is a bit of a difference in stature. They are good at that, you tell them good and try to improve. The goals from set pieces? You have to go beyond that, otherwise it becomes a psychosis. On Sunday we will go there to play the game, I am very convinced of that.” Thus Luciano Spalletti to Rai microphones.
Gli altri quarti di finale
The vice-world champions lose, the European champions draw in extra time in the first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals. In Split, Croatia beats France 2-0 with goals from Budimir (26th) and Perisic (46th pt). In Rotterdam, meanwhile, Holland-Spain ended 2-2 with goals from Gakpo (28th) and Milan’s Reijnders (46th) reversing the Iberians’ early lead, sealed by Inaki Williams in the 9th. The Orange were left with 10 men due to the expulsion of Hato in the 82nd and, in the 93rd, Merino signed the goal for the final 2-2. In Copenhagen, Denmark misses a penalty with Eriksen in the 24th, but beats Portugal 1-0 with Hojlund’s goal in the 78th.
– IPA Agency photo –
(ITALPRESS).
