Italy and Germany, two giants of European football, are about to clash at the iconic San Siro. They're not just playing for bragging rights, they're battling for a spot in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. It's the first leg of their quarter-final, and you know it's going to be intense.
Germany's been on fire, topping their group without a single loss. Italy, well, they had a bit of a hiccup against France, but they still managed to snag second place and make it to this new quarter-final stage. This is their first meeting since that Nuts seven-goal thriller back in 2022, so there's definitely some unfinished business.
Italy's been trying to bounce back after a tough Euro 2024. They started strong in the Nations League, but that loss to France in Milan stung. Still, they've been playing some pretty good football under Luciano Spalletti, and they're definitely hungry for their first Nations League title.
Of course, they're also focused on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. But right now, it's all about Germany. They're looking to avenge that 5-2 drubbing they took a few years back. That loss is still fresh in their minds.
Germany, on the other hand, is riding high. They demolished Bosnia-Herzegovina 7-0 and finished their group stage unbeaten. They're scoring goals for fun, averaging three per game. Julian Nagelsmann has them playing with a ton of confidence.
This is Germany's first time in the Nations League knockout stage, and they're determined to make it count. They want that trophy, and they want to build momentum for next year's World Cup.
After this first leg in Milan, they'll head to Dortmund for the second leg on Sunday. The winner of this tie will face either Denmark or Portugal in the semi-finals.
Even with a bunch of injuries and some key retirements, Germany's been one of the best teams in Europe this season. They're coming into this match ready to keep that momentum going. You can bet this is going to be a real battle.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Italy's coach, Spalletti, he's switched things up, gone to a three-man defense after that rough Euro 2024. Now, he's really leaning on his wing-backs, those guys who run up and down the sidelines. Problem is, Dimarco from Inter Milan, one of his key guys, is out with an injury. That's a real blow.
And it gets worse. Cambiaso, who can play on either side, he's been battling fitness issues all season. He's still in the squad, but it's a question mark if he'll even be able to play. So, Spalletti's got Udogie and Ruggeri, two guys who specialize on the left, ready to step in for Dimarco.
Ruggeri might even get his first senior cap, which would be cool. Casadei from Torino, who's been playing regularly in midfield since he left Chelsea, could also get some time. Locatelli from Juventus? He's been left out this time.
Up front, Spalletti might not want to start two strikers against a team as strong as Germany. But Kean's been having a great season in Serie A, and Raspadori's been playing well for Napoli lately. Retegui, the guy who's been topping the scoring charts? He's out with a muscle injury, which is a big loss.
Germany's got even more injury problems. Havertz, Henrichs, Nmecha, Pavlovic, ter Stegen, and Wirtz are all out. That's a lot of key players missing.
Goretzka's back in the squad for the first time in a while, and Adeyemi's been rewarded for his good form. Amiri, from Mainz, he's back in the national team after four years, which is a nice story.
Bisseck, the Inter defender, he's going to be playing on familiar ground at San Siro, and he's got his first senior call-up. Kimmich, the captain, he's looking to get his 98th cap, which is pretty impressive.
Bisseck and Ortega, the Manchester City goalkeeper, they're the only two uncapped players. Ortega's going to be battling Baumann and Nubel for the starting spot in goal. So, both teams are dealing with some major absences, it's going to be interesting to see how they adjust.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Politano, Barella, Rovella, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Kean
Germany possible starting lineup:
Nubel; Kimmich, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Gross; Sane, Musiala, Adeyemi; Kleindienst
EXPERT PREDICTION
Italy 2-2 Germany
