Germany’s 2-1 win in Milan on Thursday was their first away win in Italy for 39 years. The victory put Julian Nagelsmann’s team in complete control of the tie ahead of the second leg at Signal Iduna Park.
The win was far from plain sailing for the Germans. Fresh from helping Newcastle United win the Carabao Cup on Sunday, Sandro Tonoli gave Italy the lead with a neat finish after just nine minutes.
But rather than inspiring the hosts to go on and complete the victory, it only served as a wake up call for the visitors.
Despite Leon Goretzka twice coming close to levelling the score in the first half, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann rang the changes at half time.
Off went David Raum and Jonathan Burkardt, to be replaced by Nico Schlotterbeck and Tim Kleindienst. The impact was instant with Kleindienst heading home Joshua Kimmich’s cross just four minutes into the second half.
The Germans then assumed total control of the tie when Goretzka headed in another Kimmich cross after 76 minutes.
Italy will be disappointed to have left with nothing.
Luciano Spalletti’s team may have had less of the possession (41 percent), but they had the majority of the chances, with 13 attempts on goal to Germany’s ten. Italy also managed six shots on target, with Germany having just four.
As often is the case with Germany, they always seem to find a way. And despite Italy matching the Germans in the first leg, you would have to imagine their best opportunity of progressing to the semifinals has already gone.
The Germans don’t often not win at home. They did go through a poor spell ahead of Euro 2024, one that saw Hansi Flick become the first German national team boss to be fired, but such runs of results are very rare.
Germany won their three home Nations League A group matches with an aggregate score of 13-0. And remember, this is the top tier of the competition.
Italy aren’t as strong as they used to be. They did finish level on points with France in Nations League A Group 2, but if both teams play to their true potential, this should be a comfortable home win.
