Here are our Germany player ratings for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash with Italy.
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Germany stormed into the Nations League semifinals with a dominant first-half display against Italy at the Westfalenstadion. A ruthless opening 45 minutes saw goals from Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst put the hosts in full control. Despite a spirited second-half fightback from Italy, led by a Moise Kean brace, Germany held on to secure their place in the final four.
Player ratings
Oliver Baumann – 6/10
Had little to do in the first half but made some routine saves. Couldn’t do much about Kean’s well-placed finishes in the second half, and Raspadori’s late penalty.
Antonio Rüdiger – 6/10
A game of two halves for Germany’s key defender. Rüdiger’s level dropped as Italy surged in the second period after an immense first half.
Jonathan Tah – 6/10
Strong in duels and composed in possession. Italy found it difficult to break through the German defensive line in the first half with him at the heart of it.
Nico Schlotterbeck – 7/10
Defended well for the most part but was caught out a couple of times in the second half as Italy grew into the game. Played an excellent part during the build-up play for Germany’s third goal.
Joshua Kimmich – 9/10
Absolutely ran the show for the hosts, scoring a clinical penalty and assisting two goals. His vision and composure were outstanding as he notched three assists and a goal over the two legs.
Leon Goretzka – 7/10
Set the tempo early and played a key role in Germany’s attacking dominance. His assist for the penalty was a moment of real quality.
Angelo Stiller – 8/10
A solid performance in midfield, helping maintain control in possession and keeping Italy pinned back for much of the first half.
Maximilian Mittelstädt – 7/10
Almost scored in the opening seconds and was a constant attacking threat down the left side. Contributed well defensively too. Unfortunately responsible for Italy’s late penalty.
Leroy Sané – 6/10
Had a decent effort saved in the first half but was otherwise quiet. Struggled to impose himself as much as his attacking teammates.
Jamal Musiala – 8/10
Took his goal well after Kimmich’s quick thinking and was lively in attack, constantly looking to drive at the Italian defence.
Tim Kleindienst – 8/10
Won the penalty that gave Germany the lead and capped off a strong first half with a well-taken header before the break.
Substitutions
Karim Adeyemi – 5/10
Struggled to really get involved in the tie as Germany lost control of the encounter.
Pascal Groß – 5/10
Similar to Adeyemi, Groß was unable to play too huge of a role as the context of the tie shifted.
Nadiem Amiri – 4/10
Didn’t feature too much following his introduction.
Yann Aurel Bisseck – N/A
Robert Andrich – N/A
