March 25, 2025, DORTMUND, Germany: Germany held on to secure a 3-3 draw against Italy in Dortmund, progressing to the Nations League semifinals 5-4 on aggregate after a three-goal first-half lead was reduced in a dramatic second half.
Joshua Kimmich’s first-half penalty and assists for Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst gave Germany a 3-0 lead, but Italy responded in the second half with Moise Kean’s two goals. Italy had a penalty overturned by VAR before Giacomo Raspadori scored in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to deny Germany.
The result not only marked Germany’s first-ever Nations League semifinal appearance but also guaranteed the tournament’s remaining matches will be held in Germany, in Stuttgart and Munich. Despite the second-half scare, Germany continued their resurgence under Julian Nagelsmann, with their only loss in the last 17 matches being against Spain in Euro 2024.
Italy's coach, Luciano Spalletti, acknowledged his team's lack of maturity, while Italy faced several injuries ahead of the match and struggled throughout the game despite a strong second-half performance.