Tim Kleindienst will be in the spotlight on Thursday for the big match against Italy.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Germany’s upcoming matches against Italy was who would be Germany’s striker. Well, the question has finally be answered. Bild reports that former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to start Borussia Mönchengladbach veteran Tim Kleindienst up against Italy in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
With a number of options such as Niclas Füllkrug and Kai Havertz ruled out for the March international window, Nagelsmann had to choose between Mainz 05’s Jonathan Burkardt, VfB Stuttgart’s Denis Undav, and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst.
Julian Nagelsmann has decided to start Tim Kleindienst up front against Italy tomorrow [@BILD] pic.twitter.com/DmULOiUFME
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 19, 2025
With Burkardt and Kleindienst in both equal form, the decision was surely difficult adding the factor of Undav’s solid record with the national team as well. Ultimately, Nagelsmann is probably looking to rely on Kleindienst’s size and presence in the box, which is lacking with Germany’s other attackers.
While Germany was in safe hands with all three options, it makes most sense to give Kleindienst the starting role, and having solid threats like Undav and Burkardt coming off the bench. Either way, the door is clearly open for others to earn that role based on solid performance in the first match.
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