Reaction from Julian Nagelsmann at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund on Sunday after his Germany side squandered a three goal lead to draw 3-3 with Italy, but still reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League 5-4 on aggregate, having won the first leg of the quarter-final 2-1 in Milan last Thursday.
Germany started the game with purpose, pinning Italy back in their own defensive third, and the home side broke through on the half hour.
Leon Goretzka put Tim Kleindienst in on goal and after he was brought down by Alessandro Buongiorno in the penalty area, Joshua Kimmich fired in from the spot.
Six minutes later Jamal Musiala doubled Germany’s advantage following a quickly-taken Kimmich corner and just before the break Kimmich provided another assist, crossing for Kleindienst to head home and make it three.
The contest seemed over – but Italy had other ideas and combined with a little Germany complacency, they got back into the game.
On 49 minutes Moise Kean took advantage of a mis-placed Leroy Sane pass and pulled a goal back.
The Fiorentina forward made it 3-2 20 minutes later, setting up a dramatic finale.
Italy then had a penalty decision overturned by VAR, but in stoppage time Germany defender Maximilian Mittelstadt was penalised for handball and Giacomo Raspadori drew Italy level with a penalty of his own.
There was no time for Italy to grab another goal to send the game to extra time though and Germany squeezed into the Nations League last four for the first time.
An eighth game against Italy without defeat also means that they will host the final stages of the tournament, which will now take place in Stuttgart and Munich in June.
Add A Comment