Germany came from behind to defeat Italy 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at the San Siro, ending a 39-year wait for an away victory against the Azzurri. Leon Goretzka’s headed winner completed the turnaround after Sandro Tonali had given Italy an early lead.
Tonali, fresh from helping Newcastle United win the Carabao Cup, opened the scoring with a first-time finish after Jonathan Tah’s clearance from a Matteo Politano cross fell to him.
Germany responded well to the setback. Leon Goretzka was twice denied, before the break. Half-time substitute Tim Kleindienst equalized early in the second half, heading home from a Joshua Kimmich delivery.
Italy’s Moise Kean fired a fierce effort over the crossbar, and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann produced a crucial save, stretching out a leg to deny Giacomo Raspadori.
Goretzka then scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute, heading in another Kimmich cross to put Germany ahead.
Kleindienst almost scored an own goal, but Baumann managed to claw the midfielder’s attempted clearance.
Italy’s Unbeaten Home Run Ends, Injury Concern for Calafiori
The result ends Italy’s five-match unbeaten home run against Germany. Their last home defeat to the Germans was in February 1986.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti expressed disappointment at his team’s failure to take anything from the game, despite forcing Baumann into action on several occasions, with Tonali and former Everton striker Kean proving persistent threats.
Spalletti also revealed that Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori will require assessment after suffering an apparent left knee injury following an awkward fall late in the second half.
The two teams meet again in the second leg in Dortmund on Sunday (19:45 GMT). The winner will face either Denmark or Portugal in the semi-finals. The match highlighted Germany’s resilience and clinical finishing, while Italy will rue missed opportunities and a potentially significant injury blow.
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