Julian Nagelsmann and Luciano Spalletti released their respective starting XIs for the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie.
| Tim Kleindienst and Nico Schlotterbeck return to Germany’s starting XI | Alex Grimm/Getty Images |
Germany look to complete their job when they host historical rivals Italy in Dortmund tonight. Julian Nagelsamann’s side made four changes from the side that started midweek’s 2-1 win in Milan.
As expected, Tim Kleindienst, who netted Germany’s equalizer immediately after coming on as a half-time substitute, replaces Jonathan Burkardt up front. On the other end of the pitch, Nico Schlotterbeck starts, while David Raum sits on the bench.
Nagelsmann made those similar changes before the start of the second-half on Thursday. Furthermore, Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Mittelstädt are promoted to the starting XI instead of Pascal Groß and Nadim Amiri. As opposed to the sides’ first meeting, Die Nationalmannschaft will most likely mirror Italy’s back three system.
Meanwhile, Spaletti has to deal with the absence of key players in the deciding fixture. Arsenal’s all-rounder defender Riccardo Calafiori is out after he sprained his ankle in the first-leg, while Mateo Retegui is only fit enough to start on the bench.
Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno comes in Calafiori’s place, while Federico Gatti marks another change in Italy’s back three. Spaletti also made two further changes with Daniel Maldini, Paolo’s son, making his full international debut to lead the attack alongside Moise Kean.
Before the game, the home fans will display a choreo for the 125th anniversary of DFB. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak will officiate the game.
Official lineups below:
Germany (3-4-2-1): Baumann – Schlotterbeck, Tah, Rüdiger – Kimmich (c), Stiller, Goretzka, Mittelstädt – Sané, Musiala – Kleindienst
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma (c) – Buongiorno, Bastoni, Gatti – Di Lorenzo, Ricci, Tonali, Barella, Udogie – Maldini, Kean
