Germany and Italy Clash in Nations League Quarterfinals

The storied football rivalry continues as both teams aim to secure FIFA ranking boosts and refine tactics under new head coaches.

Germany and Italy face off in the first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals on March 20, 2025, in Milan, with the return leg scheduled for March 23 in Dortmund.
Both teams are navigating key player absences, including Germany’s Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz, and Italy’s top scorer Mateo Retegui.
Germany aims to improve its FIFA ranking to secure a favorable seeding for the 2026 World Cup, potentially moving from 10th to 9th with two wins over Italy.
Italy, under head coach Luciano Spalletti, has adopted a more stable defensive approach and is seeking consistency following a disappointing Euro 2024 performance.
The matches are widely accessible in Germany, with the first leg airing on ARD and the second on RTL, ensuring significant viewership.