March 24, (THEWILL) – Germany advanced to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals for the first time in four attempts, overcoming a dramatic 3-3 draw against Italy in Dortmund on Sunday. Leading 2-1 from the first leg, Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominated early proceedings, with Maximilian Mittelstadt and Leon Goretzka testing Italy’s defence inside the opening two minutes.
Despite a three-goal advantage at half-time, Germany faltered after the break, allowing Italy to level the score, though the hosts held firm to progress with an aggregate victory. The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark when Joshua Kimmich converted a penalty after Alessandro Buongiorno fouled Tim Kleindienst in the box. Minutes later, Kimmich turned provider, delivering a swift corner to an unmarked Jamal Musiala, who tapped in Germany’s second.
In first-half stoppage time, Kleindienst headed in Kimmich’s cross, giving Germany a commanding 3-0 lead at the interval, while Italy struggled to respond against relentless pressure. The Italians mounted a comeback after the restart, capitalising on a misplaced pass from Leroy Sané. Moise Kean intercepted and fired past Oliver Baumann to reduce the deficit.
Kean struck again with 20 minutes remaining, receiving a pass from substitute Giacomo Raspadori and blasting the ball into the top corner. In stoppage time, VAR awarded Italy a penalty for Mittelstadt’s handball, which Raspadori converted, but the equaliser proved insufficient to force extra time.
Germany’s unbeaten run against Italy in eight encounters ensured their passage and earned them the right to host the UEFA Nations League final stages in Stuttgart and Munich in June. The result positions the Nationalelf favourably for a first international title since 2017. Italy, meanwhile, face renewed scrutiny under Luciano Spalletti, with focus shifting to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign following consecutive tournament absences.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
