Italy vs Germany: Goretzka’s Comeback, Germany’s Header Party, and Italy’s Familiar Set-Piece Nightmare
The Italy vs Germany Nations League quarter-final first leg had everything — an early Italian strike, a roaring comeback, and Leon Goretzka rising like a German eagle on Red Bull to head in the winner.
Yes, Goretzka’s back. And yes, Italy are still struggling with set-pieces like they’re allergic to marking tall humans. Milan’s San Siro saw Germany walk away with a 2-1 victory, and Italy walk away muttering “not again.”
Early Tonali, But Late Trouble
Things started well for Italy. Sandro Tonali, freshly bleached and full of Serie A swagger, slotted home in the 9th minute to give the Azzurri an early 1-0 lead. Fans were thinking: “Maybe this is 2006 all over again!”
Spoiler: It wasn’t.
Because in the second half, Germany remembered they had Joshua Kimmich — the assist machine — and Tim Kleindienst, who promptly headed home the equalizer in the 49th minute like it was a perfectly timed hair commercial.
Cue mild panic in Italy.
Goretzka: From Bayern Bench to Nations League Hero
But the real headline from Italy vs Germany? Leon Goretzka’s return to international football. After a rough patch at Bayern — where he nearly got replaced by the waterboy — Goretzka was recalled by Julian Nagelsmann, who clearly knows a thing or two about resurrection arcs.
In the 76th minute, Kimmich whipped in a corner. Goretzka, 6 feet of muscle and redemption, nodded it into the net. Germany 2-1. San Siro silenced. Italian defenders? Nowhere near him.
“He played well. He attacked well. I’m really happy with how he played,” said Nagelsmann, probably already booking him for the second leg and his wedding toast.
Italy’s Set-Piece Curse: It’s (Still) Alive
Let’s talk about Italy’s Achilles heel: defending set-pieces. Under coach Luciano Spalletti, this has gone from “minor issue” to “please someone stop the madness.”
Despite solid performances from Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori, who were both denied by a solid Oliver Baumann, the real damage came in the air. Again.
“Everyone knows we struggle from set plays,” admitted Spalletti, who’s probably dreaming of a world where opponents only take short corners and floaty crosses.
There was also a minor scare for Riccardo Calafiori, who fell awkwardly late on and reported a “funny feeling” in his knee — which, medically speaking, is only slightly better than a “weird noise.”
The Stakes Are High: Dortmund Awaits
The Italy vs Germany second leg now heads to Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, a venue full of emotional baggage:
- Italy’s famous 2006 World Cup semi-final win over Germany? ✅
- Conceding the fastest Euro goal ever (to Albania, no less)? ✅
It’s basically haunted — depending on your passport.
Whoever wins the tie not only gets a Nations League semi-final ticket, but also hosts the final stage in June. And for extra drama:
- Winner joins a World Cup qualifying group with Slovakia and Northern Ireland.
- Loser gets Erling Haaland, Israel, and some sleepless nights.
FAQs
Germany beat Italy 2-1 in Milan.
Tim Kleindienst equalized in the 49th minute, and Leon Goretzka scored the winner in the 76th minute.
He last played for Germany in 2023, making this return especially sweet.
Italy struggled to defend set-pieces again, conceding two headed goals — both from Kimmich deliveries.
Sunday in Dortmund, where Germany will try to finish the job and Italy will try to exorcise their corner-kick demons.
Conclusion: Italy vs Germany – Goretzka’s Glory, Azzurri’s Aerial Woes
The Italy vs Germany first leg had everything but a happy Italian ending. Goretzka returned like a sitcom character who was written off too soon, Germany flexed their set-piece muscles, and Spalletti was left shaking his head — again — at aerial disasters.
For Italy, the second leg is now do-or-die. For Germany, it’s time to guard that slim lead like it’s bratwurst at Oktoberfest. As for Goretzka? He might’ve just written the first page of his redemption arc — and Italy better hope it doesn’t end with a sequel in June.
