Overview
Both Italy and Germany have performed well in the group stage of this year's Nations League. The Azzurri won 4, drew 1 after the first 5 matches to soon qualify for the quarter-finals.
In the final match against France, coach Luciano Spalletti's team, despite a 1-3 defeat, was not really affected too much in terms of ranking.
As for Germany, they are superior to the rest of Group 3 League A. They are unbeaten after 6 matches with 4 wins and 2 draws to lead the group. Similar to Italy, coach Julian Nagelsmann's team only lost points in the paperwork match when they drew 1-1 with Hungary.
In fact, Germany are still unbeaten since losing to Spain in the EURO 2024 final. They are still considered a championship candidate in the 2024-2025 Nations League.
If Germany scored 18 goals in the group stage, Italy also scored a total of 13. Meanwhile, the number of goals conceded by Germany and Italy is 4 and 8 respectively. Both teams are expected to continue to promote their strengths in the upcoming match.
The two countries last met in the Nations League in 2022, but in the group stage. That was the only time Germany scored 5 goals against Italy in a 5-2 match.
Germany took an incredible 5-0 lead thanks to goals from Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan, Thomas Muller and a brace from Timo Werner. Meanwhile, Wilfried Gnonto and Alessandro Bastoni scored two honorary goals for Italy.
Personnel situation
Italy's most notable absentee is Federico Dimarco, as Inter Milan's full-back remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
On the other side of the front line, Germany will be without many stars, notably Florian Wirtz due to suspension and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to injury. Arsenal striker Kai Havertz will also be absent.
Expected lineup:
Italy: Donnarumma, Buongiorno, Calafiori, Bastoni, Di Lorenzo, Tonali, Frattesi, Barella, changeaso, Retegui, Kean.
Germany: Nubel, Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Rudiger, Mittelstadt, Andrich, Gross, Sane, Musiala, Lewelling, Kleindienst.
The match between Italy and Germany takes place at 2:45 am on March 21 (Vietnam time).
