Italy 1-2 Germany: Kimmich-inspired visitors fight back to claim first-leg lead

Joshua Kimmich created both goals as Germany came from behind to beat Italy 2-1 at San Siro in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final.

Kimmich supplied a series of sublime crosses from right-back, of which two were headed in by Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka after Italy had led at half-time.

Sandro Tonali netted the opener after nine minutes when Matteo Politano’s cutback was diverted away from Moise Kean but ran for the Newcastle United midfielder to sweep in.

But goalkeeper Oliver Baumann kept Germany in the game and allowed Kimmich to take centre stage after half-time.

Kleindienst, introduced at the break, powered a header past Gianluigi Donnarumma after 49 minutes.

Kimmich delivered a similar centre for Goretzka to nod wide in the 69th minute, yet the midfielder got his next header right seven minutes later, flicking in an in-swinging corner for a potentially decisive goal ahead of Sunday’s second leg.

What a comeback! We take a 2-1 lead into the second leg! #DFB #GermanFootball #ITAGER

DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/FLfLvtxK22

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) March 20, 2025

Data debrief: Tale of two goalkeepers

Donnarumma was not obviously at fault for either goal, but Germany appeared to prey on his inability to deal with crosses. The visitors sent in 21, including 11 from Kimmich, leading to both goals. Kimmich has now assisted 13 of the 27 headed goals Germany have scored since his debut.

While Italy’s number one never looked comfortable, the opposite was true of Baumann.

He made strong stops from Tonali and Kean at 1-0, then saved well with his foot from Raspadori shortly after Germany had equalised, finishing with five saves to Donnarumma’s two.