Nations League: Germany advance to semi-finals after 6-goal thriller against Italy

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 23:02 - 23 March 2025

Germany held on to their first-leg advantage to advance to the semifinals, despite squandering a three-goal half-time lead to draw 3-3 against Italy.

Germany started aggressively, aiming to build on their 2-1 lead from the first leg. They went close through Maximilian Mittelstadt and Leon Goretzka early on, with Italy largely defending in their own third.

💪#GERITA 3-3: Das #DFBTeam steht im Halbfinale der #NationsLeague!🙌 pic.twitter.com/7KhospVPHQ
— UEFA Nations League DE (@EURO2024DE) March 23, 2025

The hosts' pressure paid off on the half-hour mark, as Joshua Kimmich converted a penalty after Tim Kleindienst was fouled in the area.

Football

WATCH: Ronaldo misses poor penalty to keep Portugal behind against Denmark

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports

They doubled their lead soon after, with Jamal Musiala tapping in from a quick corner.

Kleindienst added a third in first-half stoppage time, but Italy fought back in the second half.

Moise Kean scored twice, including a powerful strike into the top corner, to set up a dramatic finish.

🚨🇪🇺 GOAL | Germany 3-2 Italy | Moise Kean

MOISE KEAN GETS ANOTHER ONE FOR ITALY !!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/85UCu37rrp
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) March 23, 2025

Italy had a penalty decision overturned by VAR, but they were awarded another in stoppage time. Giacomo Raspadori converted from the spot, but it was too little, too late.

Germany advances to the Nations League semifinals, which they will host in June, while Italy will shift focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.