In a thrilling night at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, Italy battled back from a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Germany, but it’s the hosts who book their ticket to the Nations League semifinals.
The first half was a disaster for the Azzurri: Kimmich converted a penalty, Musiala scored on a quick corner while Donnarumma argued with the referee, and Kleindienst added a third header. Germany seemed firmly in control, while Italy appeared outclassed and outpaced.
But after halftime, everything changed. Spalletti injected life into the team with smart substitutions, and Moise Kean ignited the fightback. He scored twice — first with a low finish, then with a stunning curling shot — both made possible by Raspadori, who later converted a stoppage-time penalty for the equaliser after a handball was confirmed by VAR.
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Italy pushed hard with Politano, Raspadori, Zaccagni and Lucca all on in attack, but Germany clung to their aggregate lead and saw it out.
After the match, Spalletti admitted the team started poorly but praised their spirit: "In the second half we showed who we are. If someone’s afraid of the road to the World Cup, they better stay home."
Italy now shifts focus to the World Cup qualifiers, starting with a tough test in Norway.
