Moise Kean scores a brace and brings Italy closer

Moise Kean puts Italy on the scoreboard

Kleindienst makes it a rout now

Shocking start for Italy: 2-0

Germany took the lead thanks to Kimmich

Szymon Marciniak, the Polish referee who ruled out Julián Álvarez's penalty during the Champions League derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the second leg of the Nations League quarterfinal between Germany and Italy.

A Controversial Call Still Echoes

The highly anticipated rematch will take place in Dortmund on Sunday, March 23. Germany holds a narrow 2–1 advantage from their first-leg victory in Milan. The match will be under intense scrutiny, as Marciniak's recent decision in the Madrid derby remains a hot topic.

In that Champions League clash, Atlético de Madrid was eliminated on penalties (2–4), despite winning 1–0 in the second leg and forcing a 2–2 draw on aggregate. Controversy erupted when Julián Álvarez's goal during the shootout was ruled out after VAR review. Although Álvarez initially beat Thibaut Courtois to equalize the shootout at 2–2, the goal was annulled because he slightly touched the ball with his plant foot before striking it.

UEFA later backed the decision, citing Rule 14.1 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, explaining that the VAR was correct in flagging the infraction. A video released by UEFA confirmed that the Argentine striker made minimal but visible contact with the ball on his plant step. UEFA also announced plans to consult with FIFA and IFAB about potential changes to the rule in cases of clearly unintentional double touches.

Marciniak Returns to Action in High-Stakes Match

Marciniak will be assisted in the VAR booth by fellow countryman Pawel Pskit, with Tomasz Kwiatkowski—the same VAR official from the Real-Atlético match—serving as assistant VAR.

The Polish referee recently officiated in his domestic league, overseeing Górnik Zabrze's 4–0 win over Motor Lubin, where he ordered a retaken penalty after detecting encroachment, only for the goalkeeper to save it again on the second attempt.

Calafiori Injury Concerns for Arsenal and Italy

In other news, Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal left the first leg against Germany early due to pain in his left knee—the same one he severely injured seven years ago while playing in the Youth League. Attempting to recover a loose ball, the center-back slipped awkwardly, immediately showing signs of discomfort before being substituted.

A product of Roma's academy and a former Bologna player, Calafiori suffered a catastrophic knee injury in 2018, damaging all major ligaments, the meniscus, and the joint capsule. He returned to competitive play nearly a year later.

He will undergo medical tests on Saturday with the Italian national team, and his availability for the second leg remains uncertain. His club, Arsenal, is set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal on April 8.