Germany are desperate to get their first win in the Nations League following a draw against Hungary while Italy played a goalless stalemate over England to maintain their place at the top.
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Germany and Italy also shared the points to open the Nations League campaign when they met earlier in June with Lorenzo Pellegrini’s opener cancelled out by Joshua Kimmich in the 73rd minute. The duo has also not lost a single game in the tournament, but the Germans have conceded in every match they played. The Azzurri’s will look to set afoot for the playoff rounds of the Nations League next year with another win with their opposition Germany struggling to find one after three consecutive 1-1 draw.
Hansi Flick’s men are failing to demonstrate their ruthless nature which kept them ticking for over a year. If draws against top nations like Italy and England were to be excused for opposition’s quality, there was nothing to be said for the one against Hungary at the Puskas Arena although they did beat England in their opening game. Gladbach’s Jonas Hoffman came up with the goods again, tucking in the leveller shortly after Zsolt Nagy gave the hosts a sixth-minute surprise lead. Germany are tossing between Kai Havertz and Timo Werner or even together to lead the frontline and neither seems to have convinced Flick to cement the spot. The lack of finishing chances or a goal source other than those forwards had been hard to come. Germany cannot afford any further slip-off in the next three games if they want to qualify for the playoffs for the very first time.
Italy won’t be the desired candidate to face at this time as Roberto Manchini’s new era of footballers has got a positive start. The Azzurri didn’t find the back of the net in the Euro final replay a year back against England for the first time since their elimination from the World Cup qualification although their performance should have given more. Both the teams could have swung their game to their favour with England’s number one on the day, Aaron Ramsdale thwarting Italy’s decisive chances. However, this draw is a welcoming one to carry forward their unbeaten form into the last three games. Italy are a point clear of second-placed Hungary, of all people, in the first place and is looking optimistic again.
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There could be rotations at the back as Hansi Flick bends to nail his back three in these preparatory games before the World Cup in Qatar so Klostermann and Rudiger could come in for Kehrer and Schlotterbeck. Upfront, Kai Havertz could drop to the bench with Thomas Muller regaining his spot in the first eleven. Goal scorer in the last outing for Germany, Jonas Hoffmann will continue on the right flank. There are also a couple of changes Italy are set to make from the last game with Gnoto replacing Pessina and Dimarco the only one keeping his place in the back four.
Germany possible lineups: Neuer, Klostermann, Sule, Rudiger, Hofmann, Kimmich, Gundogan, Raum, Sane, Muller; Werner
Italy possible lineups: Donnarumma, Florenzi, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco, Frattesi, Tonali, Barella, Pellegrini, Scamacca, Gnonto
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The UEFA Nations League game between Germany and Italy will take place at the Borussia-Park on Wednesday at 12:30 am IST.
Select UEFA Nations League 2022-23 matches will be telecast live on the Sony TEN network in India. Besides, live streaming of these matches will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV apps and OTT platforms in India.
