Germany vs. Italy preview: Team news and predicted lineups
| Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images |
After a 2-1 away win over Italy in Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final on Thursday, Germany will be looking to finish the job in the second leg at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Sunday.
Germany went behind to Sandro Tonali's early opener, but turned the game around after the break following a few tactical adjustments by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Speaking after the win in Italy, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was quick to point out that it's only half time in the tie. He also hinted at making a few changes to his starting eleven for the return leg.
“The result is dangerous. We have a few ideas in our heads about what we can change. I'm not scared, but it will be exciting. The stadium is usually very loud. That will certainly be the case on Sunday too, which will help us,” he said.
Tim Kleindienst, who scored straight after coming on as a substitute at half-time for Jonathan Burkardt, could be handed a start on Sunday.
So could Nico Schlotterbeck, who replaced David Raum at left-back after an unimpressive first half from the Leipzig man.
Nadiem Amiri, who made a surprise start in a wide attacking midfield role, will compete with Jamie Leweling for a starting berth in Dortmund.
For the visitors, Riccardo Calafiori is out with a knee injury and is likely to be replaced by Alessandro Buongiorno.
Raoul Bellanova and Samuele Ricci are alternatives to Matteo Politano and Nicolo Rovella should Luciano Spalletti decide to change his starting eleven.
Should Germany proceed to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, Julian Nagelsmann's team will play the rest of the tournament on home soil.
