GERMANY TAKES THE LEAD WITH A GOAL FROM GORETZKA

GERMANY EQUALIZES THE SCORE!

Italy scores the first through Tonalli

These are Italy's starting XI

This is Germany's starting XI!

European football will witness a historic showdown this Thursday as Italy and Germany, both four-time World Cup winners, face off at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) stadium. Beyond the prestige of this fixture, both teams arrive with the need to redeem themselves after their eliminations in Euro 2024, with the added incentive of determining the host nation for the Nations League finals.

The winner of this tie will have the privilege of hosting the tournament's final phase, making this clash more than just a sporting contest. While Italy dreams of bringing the competition to Turin, Germany aims to make Munich and Stuttgart the epicenter of European football.

Italy Seeks Redemption

After a disappointing elimination against Switzerland in the Euro round of 16, the Azzurri have shown signs of improvement. Under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership, the team went five matches unbeaten before suffering a loss to France in their most recent game at San Siro. The coach has taken responsibility for past mistakes and relieved his players of excessive pressure, resulting in increased confidence within the squad.

However, Italy has unfinished business against Germany. Although the memories of their 2006 World Cup semifinal victory still resonate, the reality is that the Italians haven’t beaten the Germans since Euro 2012. In their last six encounters, they have managed three draws and suffered three defeats, including their penalty shootout elimination in Euro 2016.

Injuries pose a challenge for Spalletti. Federico Dimarco will be absent from the left flank, with Destiny Udogie set to take his place. Additionally, the coach will be without his most in-form striker, Mateo Retegui, the top scorer in Serie A. In his absence, Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori are expected to lead the attack in a probable 3-5-2 formation.

Germany Aims for Stability

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad arrives in strong form. Since their quarter-final exit against Spain in the Euros, Germany has displayed solidity, dominating the Nations League group stage with four wins and two draws, scoring 18 goals while conceding only four.

However, Germany has historically struggled against Italy. Until Euro 2016, they had never defeated the Azzurri in a knockout match in an official tournament. In the 2022 Nations League, the Germans drew 1-1 before securing a 5-2 victory, a result that gives them confidence heading into this encounter.

Injuries also affect Nagelsmann’s team. Marc-André ter Stegen, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Pavlovic will miss the match, with Wirtz’s absence being the most significant, as he has been a key creative force for the team. In his place, Jamal Musiala is expected to take on a more prominent role in midfield, while Oliver Baumann is likely to start in goal.

The battle at San Siro promises to be a tactical and emotional duel between two teams seeking redemption. With history and current form at stake, Italy and Germany are set to write a new chapter in their legendary rivalry.