Germany Advances to Nations League Semis Despite Italy's Late Surge

Germany progressed to the Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Italy, securing an aggregate victory and a spot in the final stages, which they will host in June.

Germany advanced to the Nations League semi-finals for the first time, despite being pegged back by Italy in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Dortmund. The Germans had established a 2-1 lead in the first leg and held on to that advantage to progress.

Germany came out aggressively, seeking to build on their first-leg lead. Within the opening two minutes, Maximilian Mittelstadt and Leon Goretzka both went close, setting the tone for a frenetic encounter. The Germans' intense start ultimately paid off, as they took a 3-0 lead into halftime.

Italy's defensive approach allowed Germany to dictate the pace, with the hosts launching wave after wave of attacks. Although Gianluigi Donnarumma was largely untested, Leroy Sane did manage to trouble him on occasion. The Italian defense, however, was eventually breached on the half-hour mark.

Alessandro Buongiorno's foul on Tim Kleindienst in the area led to a penalty, which Joshua Kimmich confidently converted, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. Italy's woes deepened just minutes later, as Kimmich cleverly took a quick corner, catching the Azzurri off guard and finding an unmarked Jamal Musiala, who tapped into the empty net.

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Italy's struggles continued, and they were fortunate that Donnarumma made a spectacular save to tip over Kleindienst's header. However, Kleindienst would eventually get on the scoresheet, rising above the competition to nod Kimmich's cross over the line in first-half stoppage time, despite Donnarumma's valiant efforts to prevent the goal.

Germany's complacency proved costly, as Leroy Sané's misjudged pass allowed Moise Kean to intercept and score, firing past Oliver Baumann's near post. This goal revitalized the Italian team, and they continued to push forward.

Kean struck again, receiving a pass from substitute Giacomo Raspadori, shifting the ball onto his right foot, and powering a shot into the top corner. This set the stage for a dramatic finale, with Italy seeking an equalizer. Although a penalty decision was initially overturned by VAR, the review system eventually favored the Italians in stoppage time, awarding a penalty for handball by Maximilian Mittelstädt.

Raspadori calmly converted the penalty, but Italy was unable to find a fourth goal to force extra time. Germany's 3-3 draw secured their progression to the Nations League semi-finals, marking their eighth consecutive match without defeat against Italy. As a result, Germany will host the final stages of the Nations League in June, with matches taking place in Stuttgart and Munich. This development bodes well for Germany's chances of winning their first international trophy since 2017. Meanwhile, Italy will shift their focus to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having missed the last two editions.