Italy loses to Germany in Nations League, faces World Cup risk
"Squadra Azzurra" lost the first leg against Germany in the Nations League, and if they fail to turn the score around in the second leg, the Italians will be placed in the same group as Moldova for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, based on the draw conducted at the end of last year.
The Italian national football team lost the first leg to Germany in the Nations League quarterfinals. Coached by Luciano Spalletti, the team was defeated 1-2, having led 1-0 at halftime. The hosts took the lead in the 9th minute with a goal from Sandro Tonali. The Germans mounted a comeback in the second half, with Tim Kleindienst equalizing in the 49th minute and Leon Goretzka netting the winner in the 76th minute.
The return leg will be played on Sunday in Dortmund. Based on the December draw, the losing team in this encounter will be placed in the same group as Moldova for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
There were some surprises in the Nations League last night. France was defeated by Croatia 2-0. The hosts scored both goals in the first half, with Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic on the scoresheet. Croatia also missed a penalty early in the match. Another surprise occurred in Copenhagen, where Denmark defeated Portugal 1-0. Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner in the 78th minute.
Reigning European champions Spain drew 2-2 away with the Netherlands in a four-goal thriller. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 9th minute, but the Dutch equalized in the 28th minute, courtesy of Cody Gakpo. The Dutch took the lead right after the break, with Tiijjani Reijnders scoring. Spain salvaged a draw deep into injury time, with Mikel Merino equalizing in the 90th minute.
The return leg matches in the Nations League quarterfinals are scheduled for March 23.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
