UEFA Nations League: Italy vs. Germany Picks — Visitors to Claim First Leg Advantage at San Siro (Mar 20)

The UEFA Nations League increases in importance this week, as the first legs in the quarterfinals are staged. Long-standing rivals Italy and Germany collide for the first time in five days at San Siro on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Germany will be narrowly preferred after finishing top of their respective group, but Italy shouldn’t be overlooked after being edged out by France on goal difference in the opening round.

Odds

Draws Common When Rivals Collide

Draws have been incredibly common when Germany and Italy have collided; reflected by the head-to-head record above.

However, Germany have avoided defeat in their last six against Italy, which includes a 5-2 success in the latest clash between the nations in June 2022.

Italy Team News

Cesare Casadei is pushing for a first national team appearance for Italy after impressing for Torino in Serie A this term. Matteo Ruggeri and Pietro Comuzzo are also in contention for debuts.

Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali will fill the important positions in the heart of the midfield this week.

Possible Lineup

G. Donnarumma (GK); G. Di Lorenzo, A. Bastoni, A. Buongiorno, D. Udogie, N. Barella, S. Tonali, N. Rovella, M. Kean, M. Retegui, G. Raspadori

Germany Team News

Julian Nagelssman will have an issue in the goalkeeper position this week, with Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel pushing for a start.

Yann Aurel Bisseck is hoping to win a first national team cap, while Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane will be important in the final third in terms of producing clear cut opportunities.

Possible Lineup

A. Nubel (GK); J. Kimmich, A. Rudiger, J. Tah, D. Raum, L. Goretzka, R. Andrich, L. Sane, J. Musiala, K. Adeyemi, D. Undav

Italy vs. Germany Picks

Germany very much look back on the right track at this stage, and they could put a significant marker down for the World Cup in the UEFA Nations League.

Italy look short in the final third of the field, and that makes Germany a very interesting selection to seize control of this tie with a win in Milan.