Italy 1-2 Germany Player Ratings: Goretzka and Kleindenst give Germany the win in an even contest
A raucous San Siro was silenced as goals from Tim Kleindenst and Leon Goretzka canceled out Sandro Tonali’s opener to give Germany a 2-1 advantage after the first leg of the UEFA Nations League Quarter-finals.
Both teams started cautiously in the first couple of minutes as they took stock of the situation and sized up their opponents. However, it was the Azzurri who took the lead in the 9th minute itself. A sensational diagonal ball from Bastoni found Barella in acres of space down the right flank. From there, Barella but in a beautifully angled through-ball that saw Matteo Politano race clear on goal, and while his cutback was cleared by Jonathan Tah, it fell kindly to the onrushing Sandro Tonali, who made no mistake as he rifled a first-time shot that squeezed in between the two centre-backs.
The goal then seemed to switch on both sides as they went toe-to-toe against each other. However, for all the ball possession that the Germans had, they could not find a way past the rugged Italian backline, and that was reflected in the fact that they had just a solitary shot on target courtesy of Leon Goretzka, which was comfortably saved by Donarumma.
Italy, on the other, hand, was looking the more threatening whenever they had the ball. Barella and Tonali were pulling the strings from the midfield as they created some pretty good openings. Tonali could have had two when he let rip a venomous strike from outside the box that drew a sharp save from Baumann. The German keeper was once again called to action as he pulled out another strong save from Moise Kean, who had raced clear after a gorgeous through-ball from Politano.
Germany did have a couple of openings towards the end of the first half, but Antonio Rüdiger had his shot blocked, while Nadiem Amiri saw his free-kick go high from a very promising area.
Nagelsmann rang in the changes and bought in Tim Kleindienst and Nico Schlotterbeck for Burkardt and Raum, and his changes paid almost instant dividends. It took just 4 minutes for the Germans to come back on level terms, a wonderful cross by Kimmich finding Kleindienst in the box, whose header was well-timed and out of reach of Donarumma’s long levers.
The game then settled into a pattern that felt like both sides were more than happy to take a share of the spoils. However, Germany flipped the script in the 76th minute when a Kimmich corner found an onrushing Goretzka who directed a pinpoint header at the far post.
Italy Player Ratings
GK- Gianluigi Donarumma- 6/10
Was his usual commanding self, coming out and punching incoming crosses. Could not do much to prevent the German equalizer.
RCB- Giovanni Di Lorenzo- 5/10
The defender was his rugged self as he largely matched Musiala’s stride for stride. Was culpable for the German goal as he gave Kleindienst space in the box. Got forward on occasion but had limited success.
CB- Alessandro Bastoni- 5.5/10
The Inter Milan centre-back was his authoritative and composed self as he marshaled his backline with efficiency. Was the catalyst for Italy’s goal with a splendid diagonal that kickstarted the attack. Waned in the second half and should have done better for the second goal.
LCB- Riccardo Calafiori- 5.5/10
The Arsenal defender was snappy in his challenges and was part of an interesting battle with Sané. Did not offer much going forward.
RWB- Matteo Politano- 6/10
His cutback indirectly led to the opening goal of the game. It was his first international appearance in 14 months and he looked right at home.
CM- Nico Barella- 7.5/10
Was Italy’s best player in the first half as his tenacity and artistry with the ball were on display in equal measure. Got more involved defensively in the second half when Germany took control
CM- Nicolò Rovella- 5/10
Had an ordinary game for his standards. Nothing fancy and complicated.
CM- Sandro Tonali- 7/10
Gave the Azzurri the lead with a lovely first-time strike. Had another venomous effort that was well-saved by the keeper. Kept the ball well and was always looking to get others involved.
LWB- Destiny Udogie- 5.5/10
Was in the side for his attacking capabilities but did not get much joy in that regard. Was competitive enough on defense.
ST- Moise Kean- 6.5/10
Had a fierce shot saved in the first half. Was unlucky to see another one just fizz over the woodwork. Kept the German defense on its toes with his constant running and movement.
ST- Giacomo Raspadori- 6/10
Was a constant outlet for his side in attack. Had a shot that was saved before getting subbed.
Sub- Raoul Bellanova- 5/10
Was brought on to add defensive cover for his side. Not much he could do to prevent the second goal.
Sub- Samuel Ricci- 5/10
Was right in the time he was on the pitch. Solid if not spectacular
Sub- Daniel Maldini- 5/10
Booked shortly after he came on. Had a snapshot that was saved by the keeper.
Sub- Lorenzo Lucca- 4/10
Was subbed in too late to make an impact. Could not do much to influence proceedings.
Sub- Davide Frattesi- 4/10
Was subbed in too late to make an impact. Could not do much to influence proceedings.
Manager- Luciano Spaletti- 5/10
He had started off well with his players showing slick movement and skill with the ball. But he could not counter the changes made by his German counterpart as his side fell behind in the second half.
Germany Player Ratings
GK- Oliver Baumann- 8/10
Baumann had a brilliant game tonight. While he could not do much about the goal, he pulled off a raft of fine saves to keep his side in the game, eventually leading to victory.
RB- Joshua Kimmich- 9/10
The German captain was absolutely sensational tonight. 2 assists, was constantly trying to get the ball rolling in midfield and was practically everywhere on the pitch. The best player on the pitch by a mile.
CB- Jonathan Tah- 5/10
The big centre-back was stranded in his own net for the opening goal. Was strong in the air and competed for every challenge.
CB- Antonio Rüdiger- 5.5/10
The Real Madrid defender was guilty of getting his angles wrong as the ball squirmed past him in the goal. Did well as the game progressed. Had a shot blocked as well.
LB- David Raum- 3/10
Arguably the poorest player on the pitch tonight. Was sloppy on the touch, and could just not get on the same page with his team. Was hooked at half-time.
CDM- Pascal Groß- 5/10
Another ordinary performance to go with his weekend no-show. Just seems to be a tad bit slow.
CDM- Leon Goretzka- 7.5/10
The Bayern midfielder was the match-winner with his glancing header late in the second half. Had a couple of shots in the first half and was physically robust throughout.
RW- Leroy Sané- 6/10
Was decent enough with the ball. However, did not get enough change from the Italian defense to make something happen.
CAM- Jamal Musiala- 6/10
A rather subdued performance from the German talisman. Was well-shackled by the Italian backline.
LW- Nadiem Amiri- 5/10
Ordinary performance overall. Apart from a free-kick that went high, not much of note. Was also booked in the second half
ST- Jonathan Burkardt- 4/10
Another of Germany’s poor performers. Was ineffective and could not lead the line efficiently enough.
Sub- Tim Kleindienst- 7/10
His thumping header gave Germany a way back into the game early in the second half. His presence was enough to keep the Italian defense occupied, something that Burkardt was not able to do enough.
Sub- Nico Schlotterbeck- 6/10
Another one of Nagelsmann’s early changes. Was an upgrade on Raum as he kept things nice and compact.
Sub- Jamie Leweling- 5.5/10
Was subbed in too late to make an impact. He did win a couple of free-kicks to help ease the pressure on his side.
Sub- Karim Adiyemi- 5/10
Was subbed in too late to make an impact. Could not do much to influence proceedings.
Manager- Julian Nagelsmann- 8/10
Proactive management from Nagelsmann led to Germany winning this game. Made the subs and took off the ineffective players and his changes almost instantly paid off. His team is slowly looking like the formidable German team of old.
Sportsdunia Player of The Match goes to Joshua Kimmich.
FAQs
What was the scoreline for Italy vs Germany?
The scoreline for Italy vs Germany was 1-2 to Germany.
Who scored the goals for Italy vs Germany?
Sandro Tonali, Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka scored the goals for Italy vs Germany.
Who was the best player in Italy vs Germany?
Joshua Kimmich was the best player in Italy vs Germany.
Who was the worst player in Italy vs Germany?
David Raum was the worst player in Italy vs Germany.
