Germany survive Italy scare to make Nations League semi finals

DORTMUND – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said a second-half dip against Italy on March 23, which could have cost them a spot in the Nations League final four, would be beneficial to their development.

Ahead 2-1 from the first leg, Germany were incredible in the first half as they took a three-goal lead into the break at the Westfalenstadion.

Joshua Kimmich converted a 30th-minute penalty after Tim Kleindienst was fouled in the box. The Germany captain then laid on goals for Jamal Musiala – catching the Italians napping with a quickly taken corner – and Kleindienst.

Germany, however, were poor in the second half, allowing Italy to score three goals to level the match on the night, before holding on for a 5-4 aggregate victory.

Moise Kean scored a double and Giacomo Raspadori converted a penalty in stoppage time to give Italy a glimmer of hope.

“A football game is never perfect, but it was some unbelievable football, and the best I’ve seen us play,” Nagelsmann told reporters.

“In the second half, it unfortunately shifted. We played too much freestyle, without reason. When you play like that and don’t have structure, then mistakes hurt a whole lot more.”

Nagelsmann said Germany “learnt lessons which could be great for our development” from the game, adding “we know how well we can play, but we have to show it throughout the game”.

The win ensured Germany will host the final stage of the tournament, with Die Mannschaft facing Portugal in the semi-finals in Munich on June 4, and Spain meeting France in Stuttgart a day later.

Kimmich said: “The first half was very, very sexy to watch but, in the second half, we had everything in our hands. Then the momentum changed and we made too many mistakes – we still have