An eventful encounter ended in positive fashion as Germany drew 3-3 with Italy in Sunday’s quarter-final second leg to book their place in the final four of the UEFA Nations League in June. Julian Nagelsmann, whose side triumphed 2-1 in Thursday’s first leg, named Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Mittelstädt in his starting XI in Dortmund, with Stiller lasting 63 minutes before being taken off and Mittelstädt playing the whole 90. In a remarkable contest, goals from Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst earned the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break, before Italy responded with three goals of their own after the interval. VfB trio Alexander Nübel, Jamie Leweling and Deniz Undav were unused substitutes against the Azzurri.
Munich and Stuttgart to host final tournament
Germany’s victory over Italy means this year’s Nations League finals will be held in Munich and Stuttgart, less than a year on from EURO 2024 in Germany. Nagelsmann’s charges will play Portugal in Munich at 20:45 CEST on 4 June, with Stuttgart’s MHP Arena hosting Spain against France in the other semi-final at 20:45 CEST on 5 June. VfB’s home will also be the venue for the third-place play-off at 15:00 CEST on 8 June, before the final in the Bavarian capital at 20:45 CEST on the same day.
Belgium overcome Ukraine
Belgium overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit to beat Ukraine 3-0 in Genk on Sunday and retain their place in League A of the Nations League. VfB’s Ameen Al-Dakhil was not in the Red Devils’ matchday squad.