Milan, Italy — On March 20, 2025, Stadio San Siro go host one naija football blockbuster as Italy and Germany face each other in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Dis match go mark di first meeting between two traditional rivals since dem last confront for June 2022.
Italy dey hunt for redemption after dem suffer one shock defeat to France in di UEFA EURO 2024. Luciano Spalletti’s team bin dey poised to secure better finish in a tough Group A2 but e all crash for dem on di last matchday, as France knock dem out with a identical 3-1 victory at San Siro. Despite dem wan make am for playoffs, dem no fit pass semi-finals for di last two attempts.
On di flip side, Germany dey enter di playoffs for di first time ever despite their strong history. Their previous campaigns no bring good memories, and coach Julian Nagelsmann dey under pressure to change di narrative after dem exit under controversial circumstances against Spain at di Euro. However, di Germans don bounce back and dey enjoy impressive form, winning 10 and drawing 4 of diir last 14 international matches.
Before di shocking defeat to France, Italy had excellent form, winning four matches out of dem first five in di group stage. But at home, dem struggle, picking only one point across two home matches, apart from a heavy victory against Israel. Gli Azzurri never beat Germany in di last six meetings, with three draws and three losses, which make dis tie seem even more daunting for dem.
Speaking to di press, Spalletti emphasize say: ‘We need to forget di past losses to Germany and focus on di present. We believe we fit take control of di game and get victory at home.’ While for Germany, Nagelsmann dey confident, he said: ‘We ready to battle. Dis is a crucial moment for us, and we go dey give our best to win.’
In terms of lineup, Italy dey miss di services of Federico Dimarco, while Andrea Cambiasso still dey doubtful. Destiny Udogie expected to slot in for Dimarco, while Moise Kean fit enter di squad after Mateo Retegui withdrawal due to injury. For Germany, dem dey without Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz, but Kleindienst and Nadir Amiri go step in for dem.
Germany last win for Italy bin don happen in 1986, so dis go be big opportunity for Nagelsmann to add another chapter to di history of German football. Italy’s squad structure is solid with Donnarumma in goal, while Germany go rely on players like Kimmich and Sane to deliver di goods.
Dis matchup dey strike anticipation as both teams dey hungry for victory and di stakes dey high. di result of dis first leg go play significant role as dem dey look forward to di second leg next week.
