For the first time, Germany is playing in the UEFA Nations League knockout stage.
Julian Naglesmann’s German national team squad cruised past Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Netherlands with four wins and two draws to claim first place in Group A3. After a four month hiatus, Germany will play Italy in a highly anticipated two-leg quarterfinal matchup.
Historically, Italy (15W-13D-9L) holds the advantage over Germany. However, the Italians have not beat the Germans in the last six attempts, dating back to 2012. The biggest clash between the two sides occurred in the 1982 World Cup final when Italy won 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
Italy finished tied with France for first place in group A2, but the French won the goal differential tiebreaker.
In the competition’s short history, Germany has failed to reach the knockout stage in all three previous attempts.
Odds: Germany (+170), Draw (+220), Italy (+170)
Prediction: Germany draws 1-1. Both teams are missing their leading scorers, Florian Wirtz (Germany) and Mateo Retegui (Italy). Add in a four month hiatus since the last international matches and it’s a recipe for a frustrating affair. Expect both teams to score off set pieces, defend deep with numbers, and avoid counter-attacks from the opponent. The second leg will be infinitely more entertaining once one of the teams gains the upper hand.
While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show: Italy vs. Germany (UEFA Nations League)
Germany looking to come out hot in 2025, and keeping their current run of form heading into the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Stakes are particularly high, knowing that whoever wins this quarter-final will host the Nations League Finals in June.
- A look at the recent form of each team and how they performed in the Nations League so far.
- A look at the rosters and injuries for Italy and Germany.
- Why Germany should be cautious.
- A guess at Germany’s starting XI.
- A prediction on the match.
Match Info
Location: San Siro, Milan, Italy
Date: Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Time: 8:45pm local time, 3:45pm EST
TV/streaming: fuboTV, Find Your Country
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