Germany 5-2 Italy

Germany scored their first game-winning win against Italy in a big way to begin the UEFA Nations League campaign and advance ahead of their competitors in A3. Group A3.

Key moments

• 10' Kimmich and close-range opener
• 45+4' Gundogan penalty after Hofmann was fouled
• 51" Muller makes it third by scoring a half-volley.
• 68' Werner finishes off fine move
• 69' Forward reaches his second, and Germany's fifth
• 78' Gnonto scores first Azzurri goal
• 90 4' Bastoni heads in Dimarco corner

Match Report Germany vs Italy

Germany hopes to continue a streak of four draws in succession began brighter and might have had an early lead with the 7th minute, but Leroy Sane's shot from the outside of the box flew over the line.

Italy had nine changes to their last game against England and were close to breaking through their own defense within a minute, Manuel Neuer making a crucial stop from Giacomo Raspadori. It was Germany that struck first, Josh Kimmich slyly converted David Raum's low centre on the left.

Germany seemed more likely of scoring their second goal of the match, Gianluigi Donnarumma making three stops as the half-time clock approached. It was the Italy goalkeeper was knocked down shortly before the break However, Ilkay Gundogan sending his penalty kick into the middle following Jonas Hofmann had been sent to the ground to the ground by Alessandro Bastoni.

The Azzurri began the second period with a purpose, Bryan Cristante unable to complete a clever pass but any hope to a sudden comeback destroyed in the 51st minutes Thomas Muller's half-volley flew beyond the reach of Donnarumma, allowing an advantage of three goals.

In the introduction to Serge Gnabry just after the hour was a sign that the home side weren't going to give up , and It was that Bayern forward who played a key role in getting Timo Werner for two close-range shots in the space of just two minutes. One positive aspect for Roberto Mancini's team has been the recent appearance of Wilfried Gnonto. The 18-year-old who scored his first world cup goal in the close-range, after Neuer had snuffed out Dimarco's powerful shot.

The latter also took part during the extra time, and delivered the turn from which Bastoni hit in Italy's second. Germany had already achieved more than enough.

Although they have been criticized for being too passive in their football in recent games, Germany produced a positive and focused performance to earn their first victory in this Nations League campaign against an Italy team whose efforts didn't result in Mochengladbach. Flick is not yet beaten 13 games into his time as the head coach and as the sole unbeaten team in the group A3, Germany will fancy the chance of making the debut Nations League finals this time next year.

Reaction

Manuel Neuer, Germany captain to trusted online casino malaysia:

We played with confidence and you could see that we were trying to be dominant throughout the game and to improve from the recent performances. We did that, however it's still a bit frustrating that we conceded two goals in the final minutes.

Timo Werner Germany forward:

We were looking to take on our opponents in the beginning to disrupt the game, which we did very effectively tonight. It was the first time in the four games where we were able to control the game, apply our pressure and demonstrate our true capabilities.

Roberto Mancini, Italy coach:

It's a pity to finish the season this way. Germany have a lot of strength, however we let them play in the way they like. However, the group is flexible. We committed a few mistakes and we didn't protect well as a team. If you're playing against this kind of player you take lots of risks since they're extremely fast and are very risky in space.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy goalkeeper: 

We are angry, there's no excuses today. We need to face at each other with a straight face and begin again to prove that this isn't Italy. Italy. We were lacking everything tonight.