Germany capitalized on a series of Italian mistakes, including a costly blunder by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, to advance to the Nations League semifinals, despite a late Italy rally.

After winning the first leg 2-1 at the San Siro, Julian Nagelsmann's side secured their spot in the semifinals with a 5-4 aggregate victory at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park.

Germany took advantage of Donnarumma’s error for the second goal. After conceding a penalty to Germany's Joshua Kimmich earlier in the match, the Italian keeper failed to clear a header from Tim Kleindienst. 

He then wandered off his line while gesturing to teammates, leaving an empty goal for Jamal Musiala to tap in from a quickly taken Kimmich corner, making it 4-1 on aggregate.

Italy's struggles continued as they lost possession while trying to build from the back, with Kleindienst heading in Kimmich’s cross for a 5-1 lead.

However, Italy mounted a strong second-half comeback. Moise Kean scored twice, first with a precise finish and then from a setup by Giacomo Raspadori. 

In injury time, Italy pulled within one when Maximilian Mittelstadt was penalized for handball, and Raspadori converted the spot-kick, making it 3-3 on the night.

With the score 5-4 on aggregate, Italy couldn’t find another goal to force extra time, allowing Germany to progress.

This marks Germany’s first semifinal appearance in the Nations League, where they will face Portugal in June. 

Additionally, Germany’s victory secures their spot in World Cup Qualifying Group A, alongside Luxembourg, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia, while Italy will join Group I with Estonia, Israel, Moldova, and Norway.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 1200 HRS, MAR 24, 2025
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