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Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear that his team aims to win both legs of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Italy. However, he acknowledges the challenge posed by Luciano Spalletti’s side, which he describes as playing “good football.”
The first leg takes place at San Siro on Thursday at 19:45 GMT, with the return match scheduled for Sunday in Dortmund. The winner will advance to the Nations League Final Four, a stage introduced for the first time this season.
Germany’s Winning Mentality
Speaking at a press conference, Nagelsmann emphasized the importance of building a winning mentality.
“It’s important for us to get used to winning,” he said. “We want to win as many matches as possible and claim the Nations League title. But first, we must beat Italy. Only then can we talk about lifting the trophy.”
Strategy for the Two-Legged Tie
With two matches to decide the quarter-final, Germany has different tactical options. But Nagelsmann insists they are focused on victory rather than playing for a draw in Milan.
“We’ll see how the game develops. We don’t want to be overly tactical—we want to win both games,” he said.
The Germany coach also noted that Italy’s squad has changed, with forward Mateo Retegui withdrawing due to injury. “That could impact Italy’s approach, and we’ll have to adjust accordingly,” he added.
Nagelsmann expects a tough contest but believes his team must find the right balance between attack and defense.
“It will be difficult, but we want to attack and score. At the same time, we must defend well. Everyone on the field has to contribute to both attack and defense—that is our philosophy.”
Nagelsmann on Italian Football and Spalletti
At just 37 years old, Nagelsmann has already coached top clubs like Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich. His rapid rise is unusual in Italian football, where experienced coaches are often preferred.
“I don’t think Italy is less modern in that sense, but clubs should give young coaches more opportunities,” he said. “Spalletti is older than me, but he’s an excellent coach. Maybe in the future, Italy will have a young national team coach as well.”
Nagelsmann also praised Spalletti’s tactics, particularly his attacking style.
“Spalletti has a clear football vision. He was brilliant with Napoli, and his Italy team plays good football. They attack well, even with players who are usually more defensive at their clubs,” he noted.
Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger, who previously played in Serie A, has shared insights on Italy’s defensive strengths.
“Italy defends very well, whether they press high or sit deep. They have great balance, which makes them difficult to break down,” Nagelsmann said.
Germany’s Lineup Decisions
Both Germany and Italy are dealing with key injuries. Nagelsmann’s squad is missing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kai Havertz, and Florian Wirtz.
In goal, Oliver Baumann has been named the starter, replacing Alexander Nübel.
“We had to make a decision. Baumann has been more consistent, and Nübel accepted it well,” Nagelsmann explained.
Another key decision is keeping Joshua Kimmich at right-back instead of moving him to midfield.
“We analyzed our Euro matches, and Kimmich was the best right-back available. I see no reason to change his position,” he said.
As Germany prepares for the first leg against Italy, Nagelsmann’s message is clear: the team is determined to win both matches and continue their journey toward Nations League glory.
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