Italy 1-2 Germany, three things learned: Set plays, Tonali and strikers | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella shone in Italy’s midfield against Germany, but the Azzurri continued struggling from set-pieces while strikers proved their strengths and weaknesses.

Italy lost 2-1 to Germany at San Siro on Thursday night, which means they’ll need to win by two goals away at Dortmund on Sunday to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals. Below are the three things learned from their defeat to Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals first leg.

Set plays pain

Seven goals conceded from set pieces in the last five games. That’s a more than worrying stat for a team that relies on some of the best defenders and goalkeepers in Europe. Germany players knew the Azzurri’s weaknesses and constantly tried to pressure Donnarumma and his defence, with at least one player floating around the goal line before corner kicks or free kicks. Italy boss Spalletti is well aware of the problem: “Everyone knows we struggle from set plays, but we cannot keep talking about it, or this will turn into an obsession,” he told RAI after the game. Italy conceded the second goal from a corner kick in the second half, seeing Leon Goretzka outjump Samuele Ricci and Alessandro Bastoni and score with a header at the far post.

epa11976764 Italy’s midfielder Sandro Tonali (R) celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Italy and Germany at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 20 March 2025. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

Midfield quality and depth

This Italy side clearly doesn’t have the quality of Germany, nor technically gifted players such as Leroy Sané or Jamal Musiala. Surely, however, the Azzurri can count on a solid midfield, arguably the best department in the team, at least concerning those playing in the middle of the park. Tonali scored his second international goal to give Italy the lead in the first half. On top of that, he ended the match with 93% passing accuracy, misplacing just two passes from 29 (via Sofascore). Like his compatriot Barella, Tonali had two successful dribbling attempts from three, but they also provided two key passes each. Barella was not as accurate with his passes (85%) but won as many duels as Tonali (seven). Spalletti picked Nicolò Rovella over Samuele Ricci, introducing the Torino midfielder in the second half. Likewise, Davide Frattesi, Italy’s best scorer in the Spalletti era, was only introduced for the last five minutes. Ricci had been the starting Regista in most games played after the Euros, but Spalletti opted for Rovella against Germany, seeing the Lazio player more as a holding midfielder.

Attack

Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori proved their strengths and weaknesses against the Germans. The Fiorentina striker had two decent chances and proved to be a tough opponent for Jonathan Tah, who was often forced to commit fouls to stop the ex-Juventus striker, especially in the first half. Neither Kean’s chances were easy to convert, while Raspadori had a bigger opportunity in the second half, but he wasted it alone in front of Germany keeper Oliver Baumann. The Napoli striker opened spaces for Italy’s attacks but wasn’t always too quick in transition, also due to Germany’s counter-pressing. Italy won’t match the quality of Germany or other European heavyweights anytime soon but are still able to compete on par with many of them. However, to really be a threatening opponent, it is essential for Italy to make the most of every opportunity they create. Clearly, Serie A leading scorer Mateo Retegui would be helpful, but generally speaking, one of the Spalletti challenges in the coming games would be to add more unpredictability in the final third and try to maximise every chance.