Nagelsmann: We want to win both ties against Italy

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is aiming for victory in both games against Italy in the Nations League quarter-final.

The former Bayern Munich boss also admitted that Luciano Spalletti’s side ‘play good football.’

Both sides will clash in the first leg at San Siro on Thursday at 19.45 GMT, while the decider will be in Dortmund on Sunday evening.

The tie winners will progress to the Nations League Final Four tournament. This quarter-final stage has only been introduced for this season.

“I have often said that it is important for us to get accustomed to winning. We want to win as many games as possible and win the Nations League, but we also know that we are up against a very strong opponent in Italy. We must beat the Azzurri first, then we can talk about potentially winning the trophy,” said Nagelsmann in his press conference.

Since it’s going to be a two-legged affair,  Germany could be contented to play for a draw at San Siro or take the game to Italy?

“We’ll see how the game evolves. We don’t want to be too tactical about this; we would like to win both games.

“We cannot predict what we will need. I also saw that Mateo Retegui has pulled out of the Italy squad, so that could change the situation too, and we’ll have to see how Italy are set out.

He is expecting a tough duel today, but they want to attack and score. 

“We also have to defend well, but it’s about balancing the two. Everyone out there has to both attack and defend, that is our approach.”

The 37-year-old took the job in September 2023, after coaching at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich. laud Spalletti for having a very convincing idea of football, having had experience with AS Roma, Inter, Milan, and Napoli.

“Italy defend very well, but that’s nothing new. Antonio Rudiger told us about his experiences in Italy; they defend with both a high or deep line, strong pressing, and great balance.”

Both sides are missing quite a few players due to injuries. Germany are without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz.

Alexander Nubel has already stepped in, and Oliver Baumann has been given the Number 1 jersey and will start in goal.