Germany National Football Team vs Italy National Football Team Lineups – Confirmed XIs, Formations and Key Insights

The second leg of the UEFA Nations League 2025 quarter-final brought together Germany and Italy at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, with the home side carrying a 2-1 advantage from the first meeting in Milan. The match, which kicked off at 19:45 GMT, showcased tactical adjustments from both managers following a string of injuries and the need to respond after the first-leg result. Confirmed starting lineups for both nations reflected the high stakes of this knockout tie, with each side deploying a back-three formation as they battled for a place in the Nations League semi-finals.

Both teams arrived at this decisive fixture with significant selection changes. Germany’s lineup featured several promotions from players who had impressed as substitutes in the first leg, while Italy manager Luciano Spalletti reshaped his defensive unit in response to absentees and tactical requirements. The confirmed XI lists, verified through official UEFA sources and multiple sports outlets, provided the framework for understanding each side’s approach to this historic rivalry matchup.

Italy vs Germany Lineups

Key Insights from the Lineups

• Germany’s defensive trio featured Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, and Nico Schlotterbeck, with Kimmich anchoring the midfield alongside newcomers Angelo Stiller and Leon Goretzka
• Italy’s lineup included captain Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Federico Gatti and Alessandro Buongiorno earning promotions to the starting eleven in Spalletti’s reshaped backline
• Tim Kleindienst, who scored as a substitute in the first leg, was promoted to Germany’s starting XI alongside Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala
• Daniel Maldini made his full debut supporting Moise Kean in Italy’s forward line, marking a notable moment for the Maldini family in international football
• Several key absences affected both squads, including Germany’s Marc-André ter Stegen and Manuel Neuer (retired) in goal, and Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori and Mateo Retegui through injury
• The match was officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, a distinction that added further attention to this high-profile encounter

Germany vs Italy Lineups

The confirmed starting eleven for Germany in this second-leg tie was anchored by Oliver Baumann in goal, a selection necessitated by the injuries that ruled out both Marc-André ter Stegen and the retired Manuel Neuer. The defensive line paired Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rüdiger with the promoted Nico Schlotterbeck, creating a partnership that brought together players with extensive Champions League experience.

Germany’s midfield saw Joshua Kimmich assume a leadership role alongside Angelo Stiller, who earned his promotion after impressing during substitute appearances in the first leg. Leon Goretzka provided physical presence in the centre, while Maximilian Mittelstädt completed the line-up on the left flank. The attacking contingent featured Leroy Sané on the right wing, Jamal Musiala operating in the support role behind the striker, and Tim Kleindienst given the starting position after his impactful goal-scoring contribution from the bench in Milan.

Germany’s Starting XI

• GK: Oliver Baumann
• DEF: Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck
• MID: Joshua Kimmich, Angelo Stiller, Leon Goretzka, Maximilian Mittelstädt
• FWD: Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Tim Kleindienst

Italy’s Confirmed Lineup

Italy’s lineup reflected manager Luciano Spalletti’s intention to strengthen the defensive structure while maintaining attacking threat. Gianluigi Donnarumma captained the side from goal, with Federico Gatti and Alessandro Buongiorno promoted from the bench to join Alessandro Bastoni in the three-man defence. This reshuffle responded to the injury-enforced absence of Riccardo Calafiori and tactical considerations following the first-leg result.

Samuele Ricci replaced Rovella in the midfield pivot, partnering Nicolò Barella in a double anchoring role designed to neutralise Germany’s creative players. Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Destiny Udogie provided width from the wing-back positions, while Daniel Maldini made his full international debut supporting Moise Kean in the forward line. This represented a significant moment for Italian football, with the Maldini family name returning to the national team setup.

• GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma (captain)
• DEF: Federico Gatti, Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno
• MID: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Nicolò Barella, Samuele Ricci, Destiny Udogie
• FWD: Daniel Maldini, Moise Kean

Where to Watch Germany vs Italy

Football fans seeking live coverage of the Germany versus Italy Nations League quarter-final had several options available. Sky Sports provided comprehensive match previews, confirmed lineups, and real-time updates throughout the fixture. The platform’s dedicated football coverage included expert analysis of both squads’ tactical approaches and the implications of each side’s selected personnel.

Football Italia offered an alternative viewing experience through their liveblog, which tracked build-up coverage and live match action. This platform proved particularly valuable for Italian-speaking audiences seeking in-depth commentary and immediate updates on goal scorers and key incidents. The UEFA website served as the official source for confirmed lineups, providing authoritative verification of each team’s selected players.

For those preferring video content, pre-match analysis featured discussions of Italy’s potential lineup adjustments. The availability of multiple coverage options ensured that viewers could choose the format that best suited their preferences, whether seeking brief updates or comprehensive matchday coverage.

Germany vs Italy Historical Context

The Germany versus Italy fixture carries considerable historical weight in European football. The two nations have produced memorable encounters across major tournaments, with their most recent competitive meeting in major finals and semi-finals shaping perceptions of their respective footballing cultures.

The 2006 World Cup final saw Italy face Germany in a decisive match that required extra time and penalties to determine a winner. Italy emerged victorious through the penalty shootout, with the encounter marking one of the defining moments in Italian football history. The match brought together the tactical discipline of the Italian defensive system against German attacking ambition on home soil.

The 2012 European Championship semi-final delivered another dramatic chapter, with Germany taking the lead before Italy responded with Mario Balotelli’s decisive brace. Italy subsequently reached the final, where they faced Spain in an equally competitive encounter. These historical results provided context for the 2025 Nations League quarter-final, where both nations sought to add a new chapter to their storied rivalry.

Available search results did not provide specific lineup details for the 2006 or 2012 encounters, though the broader context of these matches informed media coverage of the 2025 tie. The focus remained on the current Nations League quarter-final as a fresh competitive chapter rather than detailed comparisons with previous lineups.

Match Timeline and Key Events

The second-leg quarter-final produced rapid action in the first half at Signal Iduna Park. Italy’s Federico Gatti opened the scoring in the 21st minute, giving the visitors an early advantage in their attempt to overturn the first-leg deficit. The goal prompted immediate response from Germany, with Angelo Stiller equalising just one minute later in the 22nd minute.

• 21st minute: Federico Gatti scores for Italy
• 22nd minute: Angelo Stiller equalises for Germany
• 29th minute: Alessandro Buongiorno scores
• 30th minute: Joshua Kimmich converts penalty
• 36th minute: Jamal Musiala scores (assisted by Kimmich)
• 45th minute: Tim Kleindienst scores (assisted by Kimmich)

Joshua Kimmich emerged as a decisive figure in the first half, converting a penalty and providing assists for two further goals. His involvement demonstrated the Bayern Munich veteran’s importance to Germany’s tactical system and his ability to influence crucial moments in high-pressure matches. The midfielder’s contributions transformed what had been an even contest into a commanding home lead. For additional match coverage and statistical breakdowns, readers may find the Rangers vs Ross County: Stats, H2H, Results & Live TV Guide helpful for understanding how similar fixtures are analysed across European competitions.

Confirmed Information and Uncertainties

The information verified through official UEFA channels and multiple sports outlets provided solid confirmation of both teams’ starting lineups, formation choices, and early match events. Sources consistently matched across Football Italia, Sky Sports, and Bulinews, establishing high confidence in the reported details.

Uncertainties remained regarding specific substitution timing and player-specific post-match assessments. The injury situations for Calafiori and Retegui were acknowledged as ongoing concerns that would require further medical evaluation. Similarly, the status of Manuel Neuer following his international retirement announcement remained confirmed as final, though the broader implications for Germany’s goalkeeper situation continued to develop.

Competition Context and Rivalry Significance

The UEFA Nations League 2025 quarter-final between Germany and Italy represented more than a standard international fixture. The competition format, introduced to provide meaningful competitive matches during traditionally fallow international periods, elevated the stakes considerably. Progression through the quarter-final carried direct qualification implications for subsequent tournament stages.

Germany entered the second leg with a crucial away goal advantage from the first meeting in Milan. This advantage provided tactical flexibility for the home fixture, allowing manager Julian Nagelsmann to balance defensive requirements with the attacking opportunities presented by Signal Iduna Park’s passionate atmosphere. The venue, known for its intimidating environment, had historically favoured home sides seeking early momentum.

Italy’s situation required an attacking approach from the outset, creating conditions that favoured their creative players while potentially exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Manager Luciano Spalletti’s decision to reshape the backline with Gatti and Buongiorno reflected the necessity of adapting to both the opposition threat and specific player absences. The balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent defined the tactical challenge for both coaching staffs.

The broader rivalry between these two footballing nations added emotional dimensions to the tactical considerations. German and Italian football cultures have developed distinct identities while maintaining competitive respect across generations of players and managers. The Nations League encounter provided an opportunity to continue this tradition in a new competitive context.

Sources and Official Information

Verification of lineup details drew from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy. The UEFA official website published confirmed starting XI information, providing the primary reference point for team selection details. This official validation established baseline confirmation that subsequent sources could cross-reference.

Official lineups reflect adjustments for injuries and tactics, with both teams using a 3-4-2-1 or back-three system. Changes from the first leg included promoting Kleindienst, Schlotterbeck, Stiller, and Mittelstädt for Germany; Spalletti reshaped defence with Gatti and Buongiorno for Italy.

Sky Sports provided supplementary coverage including match previews, formation analysis, and real-time updates during the fixture. The platform’s editorial oversight and sports journalism standards contributed credibility to the reported details. Football Italia offered specialist coverage focusing on Italian perspective and detailed match commentary, complementing the broader sports media coverage.

Early match events (first half): Gatti (21′), Stiller (22′), Buongiorno (29′), Kimmich (30′ pen), Musiala (36′, ass. Kimmich), Kleindienst (45′, ass. Kimmich).

Bulinews and GiveMeSport contributed additional verification through independent lineup confirmation. The convergence of multiple sources reporting identical details provided strong confirmation of the reported information. These sources collectively established a reliable foundation for the lineup details presented across this article.

Summary

The Germany versus Italy Nations League 2025 quarter-final delivered a compelling encounter between two historic football rivals. Confirmed lineups revealed significant tactical adaptations from both managers, with Germany promoting several players who had impressed in the first leg and Italy reshuffling their defensive unit following injury setbacks. The back-three formation employed by both sides provided structure while allowing creative players to influence proceedings in attacking positions.

Joshua Kimmich emerged as the defining figure in the opening half, contributing a penalty conversion and multiple assists that established Germany’s commanding position. The match atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park amplified German attacking momentum, while Italy’s early goal from Gatti demonstrated their capacity to respond to the first-leg deficit. Those interested in further sports analysis may also explore comparable match breakdowns across different competitions and leagues.

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